What significant nursing intervention should be done for a post-operative patient one hour after cardiac catheterization?

For a post-operative patient one hour after cardiac catheterization, assessing the pulse of the extremity distal to the puncture site is a critical intervention. This assessment is vital for ensuring adequate circulation and detecting any potential complications that may arise from the procedure, such as vascular occlusion or complications resulting from the catheterization itself.

During cardiac catheterization, a catheter is often inserted into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or wrist, which creates a risk of blood flow compromise to the affected limb. By palpating the pulse distal to the puncture site, the nurse can determine if blood circulation is intact and functioning normally. If the pulse is weak, absent, or markedly diminished, it could indicate complications, such as hematoma formation or arterial occlusion, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Therefore, this assessment is crucial in the post-operative care of a patient who has undergone cardiac catheterization and aligns with standard nursing protocols for monitoring potential complications.