After Mr. Lyles falls while evacuating, what is the first action the nurse should take?

In the scenario where Mr. Lyles has fallen while evacuating, the most appropriate first action for the nurse is to obtain vital signs. This action is critical because it provides immediate information about Mr. Lyles’ current physiological state, which can determine if he has sustained serious injuries that may require urgent medical intervention. Vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation can help assess his stability and whether he is in a condition that warrants contacting emergency services or administering further care.

Gathering vital signs first allows the nurse to promptly identify any deterioration in Mr. Lyles' condition, which could be crucial in a post-fall assessment. Following this, if any abnormalities are detected, contacting emergency services for additional help might become necessary.

Checking for visible injuries is also important, but it should typically follow the assessment of vital signs to ensure that the patient's immediate health status is acknowledged first. Documenting the incident is necessary for medical records but is not a priority action immediately after a fall. Thus, obtaining vital signs stands out as the most critical first response in this context.