A patient involved in a car accident is found with a deep laceration. What is the priority assessment for the nurse?

The priority assessment for the nurse in this scenario is to assess for signs of shock. In cases of trauma, especially with deep lacerations, shock becomes a critical concern due to potential blood loss and compromised cardiovascular stability. The body’s response to significant trauma often includes physiological changes, and being vigilant for signs of shock—such as hypotension, increased heart rate, altered mental status, and rapid breathing—allows for early intervention, which can be life-saving.

While determining the extent of the laceration, checking for motor function, and evaluating pain level are also important assessments, they are secondary to the immediate need to ensure the patient's hemodynamic stability. Recognizing and addressing shock can guide the nurse in prioritizing interventions, such as fluid resuscitation or calling for additional assistance, to stabilize the patient before focusing on the specifics of the laceration or other assessments.