After a pedestrian is thrown by a car and shows a decrease in their Glasgow Coma Scale from 13 to 9, what is the priority nursing intervention?

When a patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score decreases from 13 to 9, this signifies a potential progression in neurological impairment, which can be indicative of a serious injury such as a traumatic brain injury. The GCS is a critical tool in assessing a patient's level of consciousness and neurological status, and a drop in score suggests that the patient may be deteriorating.

The priority nursing intervention in this scenario is to notify the provider of the change in the patient’s condition. This prompt communication is essential because a significant decrease in GCS can necessitate immediate evaluation and intervention by a healthcare provider. The provider may need to adjust the patient's care plan or initiate further diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan, to assess for intracranial bleeding or other complications. Early notification can be critical in managing potential life-threatening situations.

While other interventions like performing a head-to-toe assessment and administering IV fluids are important aspects of trauma management, they are not the immediate priority when there is a concerning change in neurological status. Administering pain medication is typically not appropriate without determining the patient’s neurological status and overall condition, as it could further complicate assessment and management if the patient is at risk for changes in their level of consciousness.