CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What risk is associated with the use of the femoral artery as an injection site?

1. Risk of limb fracture

2. Risk of hematoma formation

3. Risk of respiratory complications

4. Risk of tissue necrosis

The correct answer is: Risk of hematoma formation

Using the femoral artery as an injection site carries a significant risk of hematoma formation. This is due to the femoral artery's size and its close proximity to numerous veins and surrounding tissues. When an injection is performed, particularly if the procedure is not done with precision, there is a potential for blood vessels to be punctured. This can lead to bleeding in the surrounding tissues, resulting in the accumulation of blood, which forms a hematoma. Hematomas can increase in size and lead to additional complications, such as increased pressure on nearby structures or permanent damage to surrounding tissues if not managed properly. This risk is particularly relevant in patients who may have coagulopathy or are on anticoagulant therapy, as these conditions further increase the likelihood of significant bleeding from a puncture site. While other risks related to injection sites exist, such as limb fracture or tissue necrosis, they are less directly associated with the use of the femoral artery compared to hematoma formation, making hematoma the more pertinent concern in this context.