A patient with a head injury after a motor-vehicle accident arrives in the emergency department (ED) complaining of shortness of breath and severe eye pain. Which action will the nurse take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority action for a patient after a head injury is to assess and maintain airway and breathing. Because the patient is complaining of shortness of breath, it is essential that the nurse assess the oxygen saturation. The other actions are also appropriate but are not the first action the nurse will take.

A Patient with a Head Injury After a Motor-Vehicle Accident