When dealing with a disaster victim, what should nurses assess first?

Focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) is critical when assessing a disaster victim because these elements are foundational to ensuring survival. In emergency situations, the priority is to identify any immediate threats to life. If the airway is obstructed, or if there are significant issues with breathing or circulation, these conditions can quickly lead to the victim's deterioration.

Assessing the ABCs allows nurses to take immediate action if necessary, such as clearing the airway, providing assisted ventilation, or controlling hemorrhage to restore circulation. This approach aligns with the principles of triage and emergency care, where the greatest need for intervention is assessed first.

While evaluating pain levels, consciousness, the location of injuries, and the patient's medical history are important for comprehensive treatment and care, they can take precedence after securing the patient's ABCs in a disaster scenario.