A patient is being monitored in the left femoral artery 2 hours after an angiogram.What assessment by the nurse is of greatest priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The radiologist inserts the angiographic catheter in the groin for a femoral angiogram.Because a major vessel is accessed for the procedure,the patient has a high risk for postprocedure bleeding and thromboembolic events.For early detection of postangiographic bleeding,the nurse monitors the patient for subcutaneous discoloration,a change in the pulses distal to the insertion site,and bright red bleeding.The peripheral pulses detect a thromboembolic event early,which helps to prevent tissue damage or loss.It would not be unusual for a patient to be sleepy and amnesic after this procedure.If both feet are cool,it is probably because of room temperature since nothing invasive was done on the patient's right side.

A Patient Is Being Monitored in the Left Femoral Artery