A patient has just returned to the nursing unit after undergoing a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse perform first?
Explanation
• The insertion site, usually the femoral artery, should be checked frequently for signs of bleeding or hematoma formation. The insertion site is at risk for bleeding due to the high pressure of the femoral artery and the large diameter of the catheter
• Fluids should be encouraged to flush out the dye used during the procedure, but the first priority is to assess the insertion site for bleeding
• Urticaria and anaphylaxis are not common after cardiac catheterization
• Pain medication should be administered as prescribed, but assessing for bleeding takes priority