What should be the nurse's top priority in an emergency scenario?

In an emergency scenario, the nurse's top priority is to assess the patient and activate emergency protocols. This is crucial because timely assessment allows the nurse to identify the severity of the patient's condition and determine the necessary interventions to stabilize the patient. Activating emergency protocols ensures that the appropriate resources and personnel are mobilized quickly, which can significantly impact outcomes in life-threatening situations.

Providing emotional support is important in any healthcare setting, but it takes a backseat to immediate medical needs in an emergency. While collecting a full medical history and documenting everything accurately are essential aspects of nursing care, they are not immediate priorities during a crisis. In emergencies, the primary focus must be on assessing the patient's condition and initiating interventions that can save lives.