Four days following an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, the client is exhibiting edema of both lower extremities and pedal pulses are not palpable. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Choice A reason: Warming the feet may improve comfort but does not address the critical concern of compromised perfusion. Choice B reason: Evaluating for pitting edema provides useful data but is not the priority when pulses are absent. Choice C reason: Elevating the extremities may help reduce edema but could worsen ischemia if perfusion is compromised. Choice D reason: Using a vascular Doppler to assess pulses is the first step in evaluating perfusion status. Absent pedal pulses post-AAA repair may indicate limb ischemia or thrombosis, requiring immediate assessment and possible intervention.