A nurse is providing preoperative teaching for an adolescent who is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. "You can resume a regular diet 3 days after your procedure.": Most adolescents can resume their regular diet shortly after a cardiac catheterization once vital signs are stable and there are no complications. Delaying diet for 3 days is unnecessary unless the provider specifies restrictions due to other medical conditions. B. "You can take a shower 1 day after your procedure.": Showering is generally allowed 24 hours after cardiac catheterization, provided the dressing over the insertion site remains dry and intact. This instruction promotes hygiene while minimizing the risk of infection at the puncture site. C. "You can begin exercising 2 days after your procedure.": Physical activity is typically restricted for several days to a week after catheterization to allow the vascular access site to heal and reduce the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation. Exercising too soon could compromise site integrity. D. "You can return to school 1 week after your procedure.": Returning to school may depend on the adolescent’s overall recovery and provider instructions. While many can resume school within a few days, the primary focus immediately after the procedure is ensuring safe hygiene and access site healing rather than full activity, making showering the first priority instruction.