Which complication should the nurse closely monitor for after a client has a femoral sheath removed?

After the removal of a femoral sheath, the primary complication to monitor for is arterial occlusion. This occurs because the sheath is typically placed to access the femoral artery, and when it is removed, there is a risk that the artery could be compromised. The nurse should be vigilant about assessing blood flow to the affected extremity to ensure that the artery is patent and that there is adequate perfusion.

Signs of arterial occlusion may include diminished or absent pulses, changes in skin color or temperature, and symptoms of ischemia such as pain or numbness in the leg. Timely identification of arterial occlusion is critical as it can lead to serious complications, including limb ischemia if not addressed quickly. Therefore, thorough monitoring of the affected leg's vascular status is essential following femoral sheath removal to prevent and manage this potential complication effectively.