Final answer:
The femoral artery, a continuation of the external iliac artery, is a common ABG sampling site due to its accessible location and the reliable pulse it provides. It is utilized especially when other typical sites like radial and ulnar arteries are not accessible. Care must be taken to prevent potential complications during sampling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The femoral artery is a continuation of the external iliac artery after it passes through the body cavity. It is a significant blood vessel that provides blood supply to the lower limbs. The femoral artery begins at the inguinal ligament, which is just below the level of the groin, and travels down the thigh, giving rise to several smaller branches. These branches include the lateral deep femoral artery, which further gives birth to the lateral circumflex artery, and the genicular artery, which supplies blood to the knee region. As the femoral artery continues, it eventually becomes the popliteal artery behind the knee, which then divides into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries to serve the lower leg.
In terms of arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling, the femoral artery is a common site used in medical settings, especially when the radial and ulnar arteries are not accessible or have compromised blood flow. It is a preferred site in emergency situations or in patients who are in a critical state. Due to its size and relatively accessible location, it provides a good pulse that can be palpated easily, making it a reliable site for obtaining arterial blood. However, clinicians must be careful to avoid complications such as hematoma, infection, or damage to surrounding structures.