After percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), the nurse suspects that a patient, who is on bed rest, may be experiencing the complication of bleeding. The nurse's initial action should be to do which of the following?

After percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), the nurse suspects that a patient, who is on bed rest, may be experiencing the complication of bleeding. The nurse's initial action should be to do which of the following?


a) Decrease anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.

b) Apply manual pressure at the site of the insertion of the sheath.

c) Review the results of the latest blood cell count, especially the hemoglobin and hematocrit.

d) Notify the health care provider.



Answer: Apply manual pressure at the site of the insertion of the sheath.