When a patient exhibits unsteady behavior while standing, what should the nurse prioritize?

When a patient demonstrates unsteady behavior while standing, it is essential to prioritize safety. Applying a fall risk bracelet serves as an important precautionary measure. This bracelet alerts all healthcare personnel that the patient is at risk of falling, prompting them to take extra precautions such as closely monitoring the patient or helping them during mobility tasks.

This approach effectively communicates the risk to everyone involved in the patient's care and encourages the implementation of safety protocols, such as using assistive devices or ensuring that the environment is free of obstacles. By prioritizing this action, the nurse plays a crucial role in preventing potential falls and minimizing harm to the patient.

In contrast, while a full assessment is important, it may not be immediately feasible if the patient is at risk of falling in that moment. Documenting results is crucial for medical records, but it comes after ensuring the patient's safety. Encouraging rest can be beneficial, but it does not directly address the immediate risk of falling. Thus, ensuring the patient is properly identified as a fall risk through the bracelet is the most effective first step.