In an emergency situation, which assessment comes first for a client who has fallen?

In an emergency situation involving a client who has fallen, the assessment of response and/or consciousness is critical because it helps determine the immediate state of the individual. This assessment is essential to establish if the person is responsive or unconscious and to gauge the severity of their condition. If the client is unresponsive, immediate actions such as calling for help and performing necessary life-saving measures can be prioritized.

Evaluating consciousness allows healthcare providers to quickly assess whether the client is experiencing a medical emergency that could require urgent intervention. The presence or absence of consciousness is foundational in guiding the subsequent steps of assessment and intervention, which may include checking for a pulse, examining for visible injuries, and calling for help.

By establishing the client's level of responsiveness first, proper protocols can be followed based on the situation, ensuring that the patient's immediate needs are addressed in a systematic manner.