What is a key clinical sign of a groin hematoma after vascular access?

• A. Local groin swelling and ecchymosis with tenderness
• B. Fever without tenderness
• C. Distal claudication with improved pulses
• D. Normal groin exam

Answer: (A)

A groin hematoma after vascular access typically shows local groin swelling with ecchymosis and tenderness. This combination reflects blood collecting in the soft tissues around the puncture site, signaling a superficial bleed from the access tract. Fever without tenderness would suggest infection rather than a hematoma, distal claudication with improved pulses points to distal blood flow issues rather than a groin bleed, and a normal groin exam would indicate no hematoma.