What should be monitored at the incision site after a PCI?

• A. Numbness of toes
• B. Bleeding and infection
• C. Heart rhythm changes
• D. Skin discoloration

Answer: (B)

After PCI, the access site is vulnerable to complications from the arterial puncture, so the main thing to monitor at the incision is bleeding and infection. The patient is usually on anticoagulants and antiplatelets, which raises the risk of oozing or hematoma at the puncture site. Look for fresh blood on the dressing, swelling or a growing hematoma, increasing pain, or any pulsatile or expanding mass that could indicate ongoing bleeding or a pseudoaneurysm. At the same time, watch for signs of infection at the site—redness, warmth, drainage, or fever. While you may also assess limb perfusion and sensation, bleeding and infection at the incision site are the critical concerns after PCI.