Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

Where should cannulation of the femoral artery take place?

1. At the inguinal fold

2. One fingerbreadth below the inguinal fold

3. Two fingerbreadths above the knee

4. Midway between the knee and the groin

The correct answer is: One fingerbreadth below the inguinal fold

Cannulation of the femoral artery is performed to access the arterial system for various medical procedures such as diagnostic angiography or interventional cardiology. The ideal location for this procedure is strategically chosen to minimize complications while maximizing access to the artery. The correct option specifies that cannulation should take place one fingerbreadth below the inguinal fold. This location is generally preferred because it allows for adequate depth to ensure arterial access while avoiding adjacent structures, such as the femoral nerve and vein, which lie superior and medial to the artery. Positioning at this site offers a balance between accessibility and safety, ensuring that the cannulation occurs in an area where the artery is relatively superficial and easily palpable. Other locations, such as at the inguinal fold or midway between the knee and the groin, may pose risks for accessing the artery effectively or could lead to inadvertent damage to surrounding structures. Cannulating two fingerbreadths above the knee would place the site further from the main arterial axis, making it a less favorable position for reliable access to the femoral artery. Thus, selecting one fingerbreadth below the inguinal fold aligns with best practices for femoral artery cannulation.