What it means
The fold between the abdomen and the thigh, also called the inguinal area. The femoral artery and vein pass through it, so it is a common site for catheters into the heart and arteries. Lymph nodes there can swell with infection. A bulge in the groin may be an inguinal hernia.
For the nurse
After a procedure through the femoral artery, keep the leg straight for the ordered time, check the site often for bleeding or swelling, and check the pulses, color and warmth of the foot on that side.
At a glance
| Spanish | ingle |
|---|---|
| Also written | groins, inguinal area |
Related terms
artery
A blood vessel that takes blood from the heart out to the body.
lymph node
A small, bean-shaped organ of the immune system that filters lymph fluid and holds white blood cells.