What should the nurse assess first for a patient experiencing respiratory distress due to an acute allergy?

In the context of a patient experiencing respiratory distress due to an acute allergy, the priority is to address the immediate threat to the patient's airway and overall respiratory status. Administering epinephrine is regarded as the most pressing action because it rapidly counteracts the effects of an allergic reaction. Epinephrine acts by vasoconstricting blood vessels, reducing swelling, and dilating the airways, which can significantly improve breathing and circulation in anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions.

While the other choices are important, they do not address the life-threatening situation as urgently as epinephrine. Providing supplemental oxygen may enhance oxygenation but does not resolve the underlying cause of respiratory distress. Checking vital signs is crucial for monitoring the patient's status but is not an immediate intervention. Obtaining an allergy history is valuable for future management and understanding triggers, but it does not directly address the current respiratory crisis. Therefore, administering epinephrine takes precedence in this acute scenario.