A nurse is caring for a child who is 2 hr postoperative. Exhibits Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? (Click the "Exhibit" button for additional information about the client. There are three tabs that contain separate categories of data.)

Given the child's recent motor vehicle accident and subsequent orthopedic surgeries, assessing the peripheral circulation is crucial. Comparing pedal pulses helps to determine the adequacy of blood flow to the lower extremities and identify any potential complications such as compartment syndrome. This assessment should be prioritized immediately. While assessing pain, sedation level, and rechecking temperature are all important, they do not take precedence over assessing the child's circulation and perfusion status following major orthopedic surgeries.