Which site is least preferred for ABG collection due to higher risk of complications?

Which site is least preferred for ABG collection due to higher risk of complications?

• A. Radial artery
• B. Brachial artery
• C. Femoral artery
• D. Ulnar artery

Answer: (C)

Choosing an arterial site for ABG collection centers on safety and the ability to control bleeding quickly. The femoral artery is least preferred because it’s located in the groin, a deep area where bleeding can be substantial and harder to compress effectively. Punctures here carry a higher risk of serious complications such as large hematomas, infection, and even retroperitoneal hemorrhage if bleeding is not readily controlled. The groin region also makes monitoring and managing complications more challenging. In contrast, the radial artery at the wrist is typically favored: it’s superficial, easy to locate and compress, and the hand has good collateral blood flow, which lowers the risk of ischemic damage if a complication occurs. The brachial and ulnar sites are used less commonly and carry their own risks, but they generally do not match the femoral site’s level of complication risk.

Choosing an arterial site for ABG collection centers on safety and the ability to control bleeding quickly. The femoral artery is least preferred because it’s located in the groin, a deep area where bleeding can be substantial and harder to compress effectively. Punctures here carry a higher risk of serious complications such as large hematomas, infection, and even retroperitoneal hemorrhage if bleeding is not readily controlled. The groin region also makes monitoring and managing complications more challenging.

In contrast, the radial artery at the wrist is typically favored: it’s superficial, easy to locate and compress, and the hand has good collateral blood flow, which lowers the risk of ischemic damage if a complication occurs. The brachial and ulnar sites are used less commonly and carry their own risks, but they generally do not match the femoral site’s level of complication risk.