What is the first action a nurse should take when a patient falls?

The most appropriate first action a nurse should take when a patient falls is to assess the patient's condition. This step is critical because it allows the nurse to determine the severity of the situation, including checking for consciousness, vital signs, and any obvious injuries that may have resulted from the fall, such as fractures or head injuries.

Assessing the condition provides essential information that guides further interventions. For instance, if the patient is unresponsive or has significant signs of injury, immediate medical response and appropriate interventions are required, potentially prioritizing the call for help or stabilizing the patient until assistance arrives.

While other actions, such as calling for help or checking for injuries, are important components of the care following a fall, assessing the patient's condition first is paramount. It ensures that the nurse can respond appropriately and prioritize the patient's immediate needs based on the assessment findings. Lifting the patient back up should not be done unless it is safe to do so and after ensuring they do not have serious injuries that could be aggravated by movement.