The nurse is caring for a child who has undergone cardiac catheterization. During the recovery, the nurse notices that the dressing is saturated with bright red blood. The nurse's first action is to:

A. Bright red blood indicates active arterial bleeding, most likely from the femoral artery used during the cardiac catheterization. The first priority is to stop the bleeding. Direct pressure should be applied just above the puncture site to help control the bleeding and prevent further blood loss. B. While notifying the Cath Lab may be necessary later, intervention to stop the bleeding must come first to ensure patient safety. C. Contacting the Interventional Radiologist may eventually be required, but it is not the first action. Immediate pressure to control bleeding is more urgent. D. Applying a bulky dressing alone without direct pressure is inadequate in managing arterial bleeding and may delay life-saving intervention.