What should a nurse prioritize when a patient is unresponsive?

Prioritizing the assessment and management of airway, breathing, and circulation is crucial in an unresponsive patient. When a patient is unresponsive, they are at significant risk for compromised airway and respiratory function, which could lead to a life-threatening situation if not addressed immediately. Ensuring that the airway is clear, the patient is breathing adequately, and assessing circulation are foundational steps in the basic life-support protocols.

Calling for help is essential because the presence of additional healthcare providers can facilitate rapid and comprehensive interventions. Early intervention can prevent deterioration and is critical in emergency scenarios. Other actions, although important, take precedence after establishing that the patient is stable in these vital areas.

For instance, administering pain medication is not appropriate in this context, as the patient's unresponsiveness may indicate a need for immediate support rather than comfort measures. Additionally, retrieving the patient's medical history is a secondary action that could be done once immediate needs are addressed, and vital signs are critical to establishing the patient's current physiological status. Therefore, the correct approach focuses on initial life-saving measures through a thorough assessment of vital functions.