A 56-year-old female presents with dyspnea and fatigue. What is the nurse's priority action?

In this situation, the priority action for the nurse is to obtain a 12-lead ECG. When a patient presents with dyspnea and fatigue, these symptoms can be indicative of serious cardiac issues, such as myocardial ischemia or arrhythmias. Obtaining an ECG allows for immediate evaluation of the heart's electrical activity and can help diagnose any underlying cardiovascular problems, which are critical to address in an urgent scenario.

While providing supplemental oxygen is important for patients with dyspnea, it doesn't address the potential cardiac complications that could be causing the symptoms. Establishing IV access is often necessary in a hospital setting for treatment, but it should follow identifying and stabilizing any immediate life-threatening conditions. Auscultating lung sounds can provide valuable information regarding respiratory status, but it is more important to rule out or identify any cardiac issues first in the context of acute presentations like those of this patient.

Overall, the priority is to assess the heart's condition rapidly, as cardiac events can lead to further complications if not addressed promptly.