In a patient experiencing an asthma attack, what is the first action the nurse should take?

During an asthma attack, the airway is constricted, and the immediate priority is to open the airway and facilitate breathing. Administering a bronchodilator, such as albuterol, is the first action to take because it works quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, allowing them to open and improve airflow.

This prioritization is essential due to the potential for rapid deterioration in respiratory status during an asthma exacerbation. While checking oxygen saturation and obtaining vital signs are important components of patient assessment and ongoing care, they do not directly address the immediate problem of airway constriction. Likewise, preparing for intubation is not the first response; it is usually considered only if the patient is in severe distress and unresponsive to initial treatments. The immediate focus should always be on restoring airway patency and improving the patient's ability to breathe.