Which action should a nurse take first when treating a patient in an emergency situation?

Prepare for the Emergency Triage Exam. Sharpen your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each crafted with hints and explanations. Arm yourself with the knowledge needed to pass with confidence!

In an emergency situation, establishing an airway and ensuring adequate breathing is the top priority for a nurse. This action is critical because airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation can lead to rapid deterioration in a patient's condition and can even be life-threatening. Without oxygen, vital organs quickly become deprived, leading to irreversible damage within minutes.

By focusing on airway and breathing first, the nurse can stabilize the patient's condition and create a safer environment for further assessment and treatment. Once the airway is secure and adequate breathing is confirmed, the medical team can then proceed with other important actions, such as analyzing the patient's medical history, calling for additional staff if necessary, or administering medications. Each of these steps is important, but they are secondary to ensuring the patient's ability to breathe effectively.

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