A patient has undergone a cerebral angiogram and the arterial access catheter has been removed. The nurse should apply pressure to the arterial puncture site for _______.

A patient has undergone a cerebral angiogram and the arterial access catheter has been removed. The nurse should apply pressure to the arterial puncture site for _______.

• A. 5 minutes
• B. 25 minutes
• C. 15 minutes
• D. 30 minutes

Answer: (C)

The main concept is achieving hemostasis at the arterial puncture site after removing the arterial access catheter. The goal is to allow a stable clot to form to seal the puncture, preventing bleeding and hematoma while avoiding unnecessary prolonged immobilization. In a typical diagnostic cerebral angiogram with a small sheath and no ongoing anticoagulation, the puncture site is held with firm pressure for a brief period to permit clot formation and local sealing. This duration balances stopping the bleed promptly with minimizing immobility and pressure-related risks. If anticoagulation was used or a larger sheath was employed, the compression time would be longer to ensure a secure hemostasis. After bleeding is controlled, apply a dressing and follow the protocol for monitoring and bed rest, watching for return of bleeding, hematoma formation, and any neurologic changes at the limb or access site.

The main concept is achieving hemostasis at the arterial puncture site after removing the arterial access catheter. The goal is to allow a stable clot to form to seal the puncture, preventing bleeding and hematoma while avoiding unnecessary prolonged immobilization.

In a typical diagnostic cerebral angiogram with a small sheath and no ongoing anticoagulation, the puncture site is held with firm pressure for a brief period to permit clot formation and local sealing. This duration balances stopping the bleed promptly with minimizing immobility and pressure-related risks. If anticoagulation was used or a larger sheath was employed, the compression time would be longer to ensure a secure hemostasis.

After bleeding is controlled, apply a dressing and follow the protocol for monitoring and bed rest, watching for return of bleeding, hematoma formation, and any neurologic changes at the limb or access site.