Upon finding a client who slipped and is now sitting on the floor, what should the nurse do first?

When a nurse finds a client who has slipped and is now sitting on the floor, the priority is to ensure the client’s safety and health by assessing for any potential injuries. The correct approach involves checking the client for any signs of injury before taking further action, such as helping them up. This is crucial because moving the client without assessing their condition first could exacerbate any injuries they may have sustained during the fall, such as fractures or head injuries.

Evaluating the client for injuries includes checking for signs of pain, any visible wounds, their level of consciousness, and their ability to move. This assessment helps determine the best course of action. Once the assessment is completed and if it’s safe to assist, the nurse can then decide how to help the client, whether that involves assistance to stand or calling for further help if necessary.

The other options, such as helping the client up immediately, getting a blanket, or calling for assistance, may not adequately prioritize the immediate assessment of the client's condition and could lead to further complications if injuries are present. Therefore, the focus must be on performing a thorough assessment first to ensure safe and appropriate care.