A newly licensed nurse is assessing a client who had a cardiac catheterization with a right femoral insertion site. Which of the following pulses should the nurse palpate?

Choice A reason: Palpating the brachial pulse in the right upper extremity is irrelevant for a right femoral catheterization. The brachial pulse assesses arm circulation, not the lower extremity, where the procedure occurred. Monitoring distal pulses in the affected leg is critical to detect vascular complications like arterial occlusion. Choice B reason: Pedal pulses (dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial) in the right lower extremity must be palpated post-right femoral catheterization. These distal pulses indicate adequate blood flow to the limb, detecting complications like thrombosis or arterial occlusion at the puncture site, ensuring no compromise to leg perfusion. Choice C reason: Palpating the popliteal pulse in the left lower extremity is incorrect, as the catheterization was performed on the right side. Assessing the unaffected leg does not provide information about potential vascular complications, such as occlusion or bleeding, specific to the right femoral insertion site. Choice D reason: The radial pulse in the right upper extremity assesses arm circulation, not relevant to a right femoral catheterization. Monitoring pulses in the affected leg (right pedal pulses) is essential to evaluate for vascular complications like reduced perfusion or thrombosis at the femoral site.