According to facility protocol, what should be done after achieving hemostasis at the access site?

After achieving hemostasis at the access site, it is essential to dress the access site. Proper dressing is crucial because it serves multiple functions: it protects the site from contamination and infection, provides a barrier to further bleeding, and helps maintain a stable environment as the tissue heals. In addition, dressing the site can minimize discomfort for the patient and prevent movement that could dislodge any clotted material, ensuring that hemostasis is maintained.

Providing immediate discharge instructions may occur later but is not the immediate priority after achieving hemostasis. Similarly, administering follow-up medication might be necessary depending on the procedure but does not address the immediate care of the access site post-procedure. Monitoring for signs of infection is also important, but it typically occurs after the site has been dressed. Hence, the appropriate action immediately following hemostasis is to apply a dressing to ensure the site remains secure and protected.