A nurse is caring for a 60-year-old male client who reports chest pain in the emergency department.

Exhibits

The nurse is preparing the client for the cardiac catheterization. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale: Witness the client’s signature on the informed consent form

Before undergoing a cardiac catheterization, the client must provide informed consent, which includes understanding the nature of the procedure, its risks, and potential complications. The nurse's role is to witness the signature, ensuring the client has signed willingly and understands what was discussed by the provider.

Choice B rationale: Inform the client of the risks of the procedure

While education is an essential part of nursing care, informing the client of the risks falls under the responsibility of the primary health care provider. Nurses can reinforce information, but the initial discussion about risks must come from the provider.

Choice C rationale: Obtain the client’s vital signs

Monitoring vital signs before the procedure is essential to establish a baseline. Since this client has tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, and possible myocardial infarction, ensuring stable parameters before catheterization is critical for assessing procedural risks.

Choice D rationale: Confirm the client’s allergies

Confirming allergies is crucial because contrast dye is often used during cardiac catheterization. Allergic reactions to iodine-based contrast agents can be severe. Ensuring there are no contrast dye or medication allergies before the procedure helps prevent complications.

Choice E rationale: Mark the surgical site

Cardiac catheterization is a non-surgical procedure, performed through a vascular access site, typically the femoral or radial artery. Site marking is unnecessary for this procedure, as it is not an open surgery requiring clear identification of an incision site.