What should a nurse do during the exposure component of the ABCDE priority-setting approach?

During the exposure component of the ABCDE priority-setting approach, the focus is on ensuring that the nurse thoroughly assesses the patient's body for any injuries or signs of trauma. Checking for bruising is a critical part of this assessment as it can indicate underlying issues such as internal bleeding or other injuries that need immediate attention.

Assessing for bruising allows the nurse to gather essential information that can help in identifying the severity of the patient's condition and guide further interventions. This step is crucial in determining the patient's stability and needs, which aligns with the principles of prioritizing patient care in emergency or acute settings.

While measuring temperature, administering pain medication, and assessing psychological state are important components of patient care, they do not specifically address the immediate concerns that arise during the exposure phase. The exposure phase is primarily focused on recognizing physical injuries or anomalies that might require urgent treatment, making the assessment of bruising a vital action.