A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative immediately following a cardiac catheterization with a right femoral approach. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Elevating the bed to 45° increases bleeding risk at the femoral site post-catheterization; flat positioning is preferred. Assessing pulses is priority. Elevating risks hematoma, critical to avoid in ensuring vascular safety, monitoring for complications, and supporting recovery in immediate postoperative cardiac catheterization care. Choice B reason: Assessing peripheral pulses every 15 minutes post-femoral catheterization monitors for arterial occlusion or bleeding, critical for detecting complications like hematoma or thrombosis. This ensures timely intervention, essential for vascular integrity, preventing limb ischemia, and supporting safe recovery in the immediate postoperative period. Choice C reason: Changing the dressing 4 hours post-catheterization is premature unless soiled; initial monitoring of pulses is priority. Assuming dressing change is urgent risks disrupting the site, increasing bleeding, critical to avoid in ensuring site stability and vascular safety in immediate post-catheterization care. Choice D reason: Flexing the right knee is contraindicated post-femoral catheterization, risking site disruption or bleeding; leg immobility is required. Assessing pulses is key. Instructing flexion risks hematoma, critical to prevent in ensuring vascular safety, monitoring complications, and supporting recovery in postoperative cardiac catheterization clients.