What should a nurse prioritize when arriving at a patient's room after hearing a thud?

Prioritizing patient assessment for injuries when a nurse arrives at a patient’s room after hearing a thud is crucial as it directly addresses the immediate health and safety of the patient. In situations where a patient may have fallen or experienced a sudden incident, the first step is to evaluate their condition. This assessment may include checking for responsiveness, vital signs, physical injuries, and overall stability. The nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure the patient is safe, which means identifying and addressing any potential injuries or complications that may have arisen from the incident.

Furthermore, by focusing on the patient assessment first, the nurse can promptly initiate any necessary interventions, such as providing first aid, calling for further medical assistance, or stabilizing the patient. This action underscores the importance of patient safety and the need to act swiftly in emergency situations to minimize potential harm. Engaging in verbal reassurances or documentation, while important, would come after ensuring the patient is not in immediate danger. Calling security is also relevant but typically occurs only if there are safety concerns beyond the patient's immediate health, such as a risk to staff or other patients. Therefore, assessing the patient for injuries is the most critical priority.