What should be the first step in assessing a patient upon arrival in the ED?

The initial step in assessing a patient upon arrival in the Emergency Department (ED) is to conduct a vital signs assessment. This process is crucial because vital signs—such as temperature, pulse, respiration rate, and blood pressure—provide essential information about the patient's current physiological status. It helps identify any immediate life-threatening conditions and establishes a baseline for ongoing monitoring and decision-making.

By assessing vital signs first, healthcare providers can quickly determine the severity of the patient's condition, prioritize their care based on urgency, and make informed decisions regarding treatment or further assessments. For instance, abnormal vital signs might indicate a need for immediate intervention, while normal readings may allow for a more thorough history and physical examination to follow.

Performing a full-body scan, reviewing medical history, or assessing the patient's pain level are all important aspects of the patient evaluation process, but they come after the vital signs assessment to ensure that any critical issues are addressed in a timely manner.