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Preparing the patient

• Ask if the patient has taken aspirin within the last 24 hours -- if they have, the hold time may be longer than normal.
• Advise the patient:
  • "Head to the bed" -- emphasize that the patient should not raise their head.
  • "No sit-ups" -- sitting up flexes abdominal muscles which may disturb hemostasis.
  • "Breathe normally" -- patient should not hold their breath.
• Positioning
  • The patient should be flat on the bed, face up. The sheath should still be inserted in the artery.
  • Place the patient's feet approximately 12 inches apart.
  • Rotate the patient's foot externally on the side in which the sheath is placed -- this properly positions the inguinal ligament, which is especially important with thin patients.
  • Ensure the patient's weight is distributed evenly across both buttocks.