A client in the short-procedure unit is recovering from renal angiography in which a femoral puncture site was used. When providing postprocedure care, the nurse should:

A client in the short-procedure unit is recovering from renal angiography in which a femoral puncture site was used. When providing postprocedure care, the nurse should:

• A. Check the client's pedal pulses frequently.
• B. Check the client's facial symmetry.
• C. Monitor for facial swelling.
• D. Place the client in Trendelenburg position.

Answer: (A)

After a femoral arterial puncture for a renal angiography, the priority is to ensure adequate distal perfusion to the leg and detect any vascular complications early. Checking the pedal pulses frequently provides direct information about arterial blood flow to the affected limb. If the pulses remain strong and symmetric, perfusion is likely intact. If pulses weaken or disappear, it can indicate arterial occlusion or bleeding around the puncture site, signaling the need for immediate assessment and intervention to prevent limb ischemia. The other options don’t address the leg’s perfusion status. Facial symmetry or facial swelling aren’t relevant to a femoral access site, and placing the patient in Trendelenburg position isn’t indicated here, as it does not prevent complications from femoral artery puncture and can introduce other risks.

After a femoral arterial puncture for a renal angiography, the priority is to ensure adequate distal perfusion to the leg and detect any vascular complications early. Checking the pedal pulses frequently provides direct information about arterial blood flow to the affected limb. If the pulses remain strong and symmetric, perfusion is likely intact. If pulses weaken or disappear, it can indicate arterial occlusion or bleeding around the puncture site, signaling the need for immediate assessment and intervention to prevent limb ischemia.

The other options don’t address the leg’s perfusion status. Facial symmetry or facial swelling aren’t relevant to a femoral access site, and placing the patient in Trendelenburg position isn’t indicated here, as it does not prevent complications from femoral artery puncture and can introduce other risks.