PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Prep Resource

The first action a nurse should take when preparing a client for a cardiac catheterization is to verify that the client has given informed consent. Informed consent is a critical legal and ethical requirement in medical procedures. It ensures that the client understands the nature of the procedure, its purpose, potential risks, benefits, and any alternatives available. This step is essential to respect the client's autonomy and to ensure that they are fully aware and agreeable to proceeding with the catheterization.

In many cases, while other actions such as administering medications, marking pedal pulses, or having the client void may be necessary parts of the procedure preparation, they cannot be initiated until consent has been obtained. Without this critical first step of securing informed consent, the nurse cannot proceed lawfully or ethically with the preparation for the cardiac catheterization.