What immediate action should be taken for a patient with a sudden change in mental status?

When a patient experiences a sudden change in mental status, the foremost action to take is to assess for life-threatening causes and prioritize stabilization. This approach is critical because alterations in mental status can stem from a variety of serious medical issues, such as hypoxia, infections, strokes, or metabolic disturbances. Failing to address these potential life-threatening conditions immediately can jeopardize the patient's safety and lead to further complications.

By prioritizing stabilization, healthcare providers can quickly gather vital information and perform necessary interventions, such as ensuring the patient's airway is clear, checking vital signs, and initiating appropriate treatments based on the assessment findings. This immediate response not only protects the patient's well-being but also guides subsequent nursing care and interventions.

Other options, while they may hold some relevance to ongoing care, are not suited as immediate actions in this emergency context. For instance, checking medications or engaging the patient in conversation may distract from the more urgent need to evaluate and stabilize the patient's condition. Documenting the change without taking prompt action fails to adequately address the patient's current safety and health status.