A nurse is assessing a child who is 2 hours postoperative following a cardiac catheterization and finds the dressing is saturated with blood.Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

The correct answer is Choice B.Choice A rationaleReinforcing the dressing may be necessary, but controlling bleeding is the immediate priority. Applying pressure just above the insertion site is the first step to control bleeding and prevent further blood loss.Choice B rationaleApplying pressure just above the insertion site is the first step to control bleeding and prevent further blood loss. This action helps to stop the bleeding and stabilize the patient.Choice C rationaleObtaining vital signs is important, but it can wait momentarily until the bleeding is under control. The immediate priority is to stop the bleeding.Choice D rationaleMonitoring the pulse distal to the insertion site is important, but controlling bleeding takes precedence. Once the bleeding is controlled, the nurse can then monitor the pulse. .