The nurse caring for a 7-year-old who had a cardiac catheterization 2 hours ago finds the dressing saturated with blood. The FIRST action is

• A. Assess the vital signs
• B. Reinforce the dressing
• C. Apply pressure just above the catheter insertion site
• D. Notify the healthcare provider

Answer: (C)

Stopping the bleed at the catheter insertion site is the immediate priority. You apply direct, firm pressure right at the puncture area (placing gauze over the skin just above the insertion site) to tamponade the vessel and halt the bleeding. Once the bleeding is controlled, you can reassess the child’s vital signs and reinforce the dressing, and you would notify the provider if bleeding continues or recurs. This approach prevents further blood loss and protects against developing a hematoma or shock in a child after catheterization.