Physical examination maneuver
Physical Exam
Femoral Artery Palpation
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How to Perform
With the patient supine, palpate the femoral artery just below the inguinal ligament at the mid-inguinal point, midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis, using two or three fingers. Assess and compare the pulse strength on both sides.
How to Interpret
Showing 3 of 5 findings
Aortic Coarctation
Absent femoral pulse on newborn examination
Rule in
Very helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Not helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease
Diminished or absent femoral pulse
Rule in
Somewhat helpfulWide CI
Rule out
InconclusiveWide CI
Evidence:Moderate
Femoral False Aneurysm
Expansile femoral pulsation
Rule in
Very helpfulDerived CI
Rule out
Very helpfulDerived CI
Evidence:Moderate
Related Bedside Tests
🎬Video coming soon
Blood Pressure
Rule in:VHHypovolemia, VHMortality, VHStructural Brain Lesion +22 more
Rule out:VHCardiac Tamponade, VHHypovolemia, HLow Cardiac Output +22 more
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Carotid Artery Palpation
Rule in:HAortic Stenosis, HTakayasu Arteritis, IEAcute Aortic Dissection +9 more
Rule out:SHAortic Stenosis, NHTakayasu Arteritis, IEAcute Aortic Dissection +9 more
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Radial Artery Palpation
Rule in:VHHypovolemia, HAtrial Fibrillation, SHShock +6 more
Rule out:VHAtrial Fibrillation, SHShock, MHHypovolemia +6 more
🎬Video coming soon
Lower Extremity Inspection and Palpation
Rule in:VHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, VHKnee Osteoarthritis, HAchilles Tendon Rupture +7 more
Rule out:SHAchilles Tendon Rupture, SHDiabetic Foot Osteomyelitis, SHKnee Osteoarthritis +7 more
🎬Video coming soon
Capillary Refill
aka Capillary refill time | CRT | Nail blanch test
Rule in:VHMortality, VHPostoperative Complication, HHypovolemia +8 more
Rule out:HMortality, SHPostoperative Complication, MHDehydration +8 more
🎬Video coming soon
Ankle-brachial Index
aka Ankle-brachial pressure index; ankle-arm index
Rule in:HPeripheral Artery Disease, SHMedial Arterial Calcification, IECritical Limb Ischemia +1 more
Rule out:SHPeripheral Artery Disease, NHMedial Arterial Calcification, IECritical Limb Ischemia +1 more