What should a nurse do in the first 30 minutes after a client undergoes femoral cardiac catheterization?

Monitoring bilateral peripheral pulses is critical in the first 30 minutes following femoral cardiac catheterization. This procedure involves the introduction of catheters through the femoral artery, and it is essential to assess circulation in the limbs to ensure that blood flow is adequate and there are no complications such as thrombosis or hematoma formation. Comparing peripheral pulses on both sides helps identify any discrepancies that could indicate potential issues with circulation, allowing for timely intervention if necessary.

While measuring blood pressure and starting IV fluids are also important aspects of post-procedure care, they typically do not take precedence over the immediate assessment of circulation. Encouraging ambulation is usually contraindicated immediately after the procedure, as it may increase the risk of complications like bleeding at the catheter insertion site. Thus, the direct assessment of peripheral pulses stands out as the most critical action in this immediate timeframe.