A 5-year-old child has a cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery.Which assessment would be most important to complete after the procedure?

The correct answer is D. Checking pedal pulses frequently.Choice A rationaleEncouraging the child to talk about the procedure is important for emotional support, but it is not the most critical assessment immediately after a cardiac catheterization. The priority is to monitor for potential complications.Choice B rationaleConfirming to the child that the procedure has been completed is important for reassurance, but it is not the most critical assessment. The priority is to monitor for potential complications.Choice C rationaleGradually allowing the child to adapt to the lighted surroundings is not relevant to the immediate post-procedure care. The priority is to monitor for potential complications.Choice D rationaleChecking pedal pulses frequently is the most important assessment after a cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery. It helps to ensure that there is adequate blood flow to the lower extremities and to detect any signs of arterial obstruction or complications at the catheter insertion site.