The nurse is admitting a client to the emergency department with compl

The nurse is admitting a client to the emergency department with complaints of severe abdominal pain. What is the nurse’s first action?

1. Administer IV pain medication as ordered.
2. Start an IV line of lactated Ringer’s.
3. Assess pain using a scale of 1 to 10.
4. Place a Foley catheter to bedside drainage.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: This would occur after the client was assessed.
Rationale 2: This would occur after the client was assessed.
Rationale 3: Assessment should always occur before implementation.
Rationale 4: This may or may not be appropriate for the client.