A patient post knee arthroplasty is complaining of tingling in the surgical leg. What should be the nurse's first priority?

A. Check the neurovascular status of the affected limb: Tingling, or paresthesia, is one of the "six Ps" of neurovascular compromise and can indicate nerve compression or compartment syndrome. The nurse must immediately assess pulses, sensation, and capillary refill to ensure limb viability. This physical assessment takes priority over pharmacological or comfort measures. B. Administer pain medication: While the patient may be in discomfort, administering analgesics without a thorough assessment could mask symptoms of serious complications. Paresthesia is distinct from nociceptive pain and requires a different diagnostic focus. Safety must be established through assessment before symptomatic treatment is initiated. C. Notify the orthopedic surgeon immediately: Communication with the surgeon is necessary, but the nurse must first collect objective data to provide a comprehensive report. Immediate notification without an assessment prevents the surgeon from making an informed decision about the urgency of the intervention. Assessment must precede notification in clinical workflows. D. Apply ice to the operative site: Cryotherapy is used to reduce swelling and provide localized analgesia. However, if the tingling is caused by excessive pressure from a dressing or internal swelling, ice will not resolve the underlying nerve compression. It is a supportive measure that follows a definitive neurovascular evaluation.