Which client should the nurse initially assess after a femoral angioplasty?

Following a femoral angioplasty, it is crucial to assess the patient who is reporting foot numbness first. This symptom may indicate compromised blood flow or complications such as thrombosis or embolism, which could jeopardize the limb's viability. After a procedure involving the femoral artery, monitoring for signs of ischemia is vital. Symptoms like numbness, tingling, or changes in temperature in the extremities can suggest that the surgical site is not functioning properly and requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications.

In contrast, the other patients may have clinical needs but do not indicate an immediate vascular emergency. The diabetic client refusing insulin, while needing attention for effective glycemic control, does not present an acute risk to limb viability. The stroke patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14 is stable, indicating only mild impairment and does not require urgent evaluation compared to the potential vascular issue. Lastly, the spinal cord injury client who has not had a bowel movement requires ongoing management of bowel care but is not an emergent situation calling for immediate nursing assessment in the context of recent vascular surgery. Prioritizing assessment based on immediate risk to physical function is critical in this scenario.