In the emergency department, what is the first nursing action for a client with an eye injury?

Assessing the client’s vision is a critical first step when dealing with an eye injury in the emergency department. This action helps determine the extent of the injury and the baseline visual function of the client. Understanding the state of the client's vision can guide further treatment decisions and interventions. Timely assessment allows healthcare providers to prioritize care and address any immediate risks to the client’s sight.

This approach is consistent with triaging principles, where establishing the severity of the patient’s condition informs subsequent actions. For example, if a vision assessment reveals significant impairment, it may necessitate urgent interventions to prevent further complications, such as permanent vision loss. Prioritizing the assessment of vision sets the stage for effective care management tailored to the severity of the injury.

In contrast, actions like administering pain management or documenting injury details, while important, do not address the immediate clinical concerns associated with an eye injury as effectively as assessing vision does. Additionally, updating medical history, although necessary for comprehensive care, is not an immediate priority in this context where vision assessment directly relates to the urgency and nature of treatment for the eye injury.