ATI Fundamentals of Nursing Practice Exam 2025 - Free Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

The appropriate first action a nurse should take after a patient falls is to assess the patient for injuries and obtain assistance as needed. This step is crucial as it prioritizes the patient's safety and well-being. Upon discovering that a patient has fallen, the nurse must quickly evaluate the patient to determine the extent of any injuries. This includes checking for visible wounds, signs of fractures or head injuries, and assessing the level of consciousness.

If the patient is injured, appropriate interventions can be implemented, such as calling for help, providing first aid, or facilitating transport to a medical facility if necessary. Assessing the patient allows the nurse to make informed decisions about the next steps required to manage the situation effectively.

Other actions, while important, are not the immediate priority. For instance, calling for emergency assistance should happen after assessing the patient's condition to understand whether that level of intervention is needed. Helping the patient back to bed without an assessment could aggravate any potential injuries. Documenting the fall is vital for medical records and quality assurance but should not be the first action taken since the patient's immediate safety is paramount.