In assessing a client's femoral pulse, what should you document?

• A. Record only the rate
• B. Document the presence and volume of the pulse palpated
• C. Document the rhythm
• D. Ignore the femoral pulse findings

Answer: (B)

When documenting a femoral pulse, focus on whether the pulse is present and how strong it feels. This presence and quality (strong, normal, weak, thready, or absent) directly reflect arterial perfusion to the leg and help identify circulation problems such as arterial insufficiency, shock, or dehydration. While rate and rhythm can be part of a broader assessment, the most informative single documentation from palpating the femoral pulse is its presence and volume. Recording only the rate or ignoring the finding would miss important information about circulation.