Final answer:
The nurse's first step in the nursing process is assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse's first step in the nursing process after admitting a patient to the cardiac care unit following the placement of a cardiac stent is assessment.
This involves gathering information about the patient's condition, medical history, vital signs, and any other relevant data. The nurse will use auscultation using a stethoscope to assess the patient's heart and listen for any abnormal sounds or rhythms.