In the first 30 minutes after a femoral cardiac catheterization, what action should the nurse take?

The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in the first 30 minutes following femoral cardiac catheterization is to compare the bilateral peripheral pulses. This assessment is crucial because it helps determine whether there is adequate blood flow to the lower extremities post-procedure. Any changes in the strength or presence of these pulses can indicate potential complications, such as vascular occlusion or impaired circulation, which could arise from complications at the catheter insertion site.

In the immediate post-procedural period, ensuring that the extremities are receiving proper blood flow is vital for patient safety. The comparison of peripheral pulses assesses the efficacy of the procedure and the patient's vascular status.

Monitoring vital signs every 5 minutes may be excessive and could lead to unnecessary anxiety for the client unless there are specific concerns warranting such frequent checks. While assessing the insertion site for bleeding is important, the focus in the first 30 minutes should primarily be on circulation as a potential early complication. Encouraging ambulation immediately after the procedure is not advisable since it could increase the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation at the insertion site. Thus, comparing bilateral peripheral pulses is the most critical action to take during this period.