An adult client is admitted to the medical unit due to rectal bleeding after a colonoscopy in which a polyp was biopsied and cauterized. Which intervention should the nurse do first?

Rationale: A. Encourage cough and deep breathing exercises: While important for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications, this intervention does not address the immediate concern of potential internal bleeding following a colonoscopy. B. Palpate all peripheral pulses in the extremities: Assessing pulses is part of a circulatory assessment, but it does not directly identify or evaluate acute abdominal bleeding, which poses a more immediate risk. C. Initiate measurement of fluid intake and output: Monitoring fluid balance is important, especially if bleeding occurs, but it does not provide immediate information about the source or severity of the rectal bleeding. D. Complete a focused assessment of the abdomen: Abdominal assessment can detect signs of peritonitis, ongoing bleeding, or other complications from the biopsy and cauterization. This is the priority intervention to identify any life-threatening issues that require immediate action.