A nurse is caring for a client post-endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis. What is the priority nursing intervention during the immediate postoperative period?

A) Incorrect - Hypoglycemia is not a common complication of femoral artery catheterization. It is not directly related to the procedure or the femoral artery itself.

B) Incorrect - Hypothermia is not a typical complication of femoral artery catheterization. The procedure is typically performed under controlled environmental conditions.

C) Correct - Bleeding and hematoma at the insertion site are common complications of femoral artery catheterization. The nurse should closely monitor the insertion site for any signs of bleeding or swelling.

D) Incorrect - While elevated blood pressure can be a concern after some procedures, it is not a specific complication of femoral artery catheterization. The primary focus after the procedure is on monitoring the insertion site.

A) Incorrect - Assessing pain level at the insertion site is important but not the priority assessment when evaluating the immediate complications of femoral artery cannulation.

B) Correct - Assessing peripheral pulses distal to the insertion site is the priority when evaluating the adequacy of blood flow after femoral artery cannulation. Diminished or absent pulses may indicate vascular compromise.

C) Incorrect - The client's ability to ambulate independently is a relevant assessment but not the priority when immediately assessing the complications of femoral artery cannulation.

D) Incorrect - Capillary refill of the fingers is important but is not the priority assessment in the immediate post-procedure period following femoral artery cannulation.