What is the initial action that a nurse should take for a client with delirium tremens?

In a situation where a client is experiencing delirium tremens, the priority action is to administer medication, such as diazepam, as prescribed. Delirium tremens, a severe form of alcohol withdrawal, can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, including severe agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures. Administering diazepam helps manage the symptoms by providing sedation and controlling agitation, thereby reducing the risk of complications.

Addressing acute medical needs takes precedence in such situations. Timely intervention with appropriate medication is essential in stabilizing the patient's condition and ensuring their safety. This proactive approach is critical and aligns with the nursing priority of addressing life-threatening issues first.

The other actions, while important in their respective contexts, are not immediate priorities when a client is in a state of delirium tremens. Tasks such as irrigating a wound, completing pin care, or inserting an indwelling urinary catheter do not directly address the acute needs of a patient experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and could delay necessary treatment.