The nurse is attempting to assess the femoral pulse in a patient who is obese. Which of these actions would be most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To help expose the femoral area, particularly in obese people, the nurse should ask the person to bend his or her knees to the side in a froglike position. This will make accessing the femoral artery easier. The femoral artery is located in the groin area and can be especially difficult to assess in an obese patient. Having the patient assume a prone or Semi-fowler's positions does not help to expose the femoral area and the pulse will unlikely be heard with a stethoscope.

The Nurse Is Attempting to Assess the Femoral Pulse in a Patient