What should the nurse do immediately upon noting a hematoma at the catheter insertion site after cardiac catheterization?

The immediate action the nurse should take upon noting a hematoma at the catheter insertion site after cardiac catheterization is to check the peripheral pulse in the affected extremity. This step is critical because it helps to assess the perfusion status of the limb where the catheter was inserted. A hematoma can indicate potential complications such as hematoma expansion or vascular compromise.

By checking the peripheral pulse, the nurse can determine if blood flow is adequately reaching the extremity. If the pulse is weak or absent, it may indicate that the hematoma is compressing blood vessels, which requires prompt intervention to prevent further complications, such as limb ischemia.

While applying a pressure dressing can also be necessary to control bleeding, it is more important to first assess the immediate impact of the hematoma on circulation. Likewise, checking blood pressure is important in the overall assessment but does not directly address the concern regarding the local effect of the hematoma. Contacting the healthcare provider may become a subsequent action based on the findings from assessing the peripheral pulse.