What should the nurse do first for a patient exhibiting signs of delirium tremens?

The first action for a nurse when a patient is exhibiting signs of delirium tremens is to administer diazepam. This medication is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used in the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and delirium tremens due to its effectiveness in calming agitation, reducing anxiety, and preventing progression to more severe symptoms like seizures or severe confusion.

Administering diazepam addresses both the immediate risks associated with delirium tremens and provides a stabilizing effect on the central nervous system. Timing is crucial in this scenario, as delays in treatment can lead to complications or worsening of the patient's condition. The physiological effects of alcohol withdrawal can rapidly escalate, making swift administration of a sedative essential to minimize these risks.

While assessing blood pressure, preparing for emergency interventions, and calling for stabilization measures are important aspects of patient care, they are secondary to the urgent need for pharmacological intervention in the case of delirium tremens. Addressing the symptoms directly with diazepam effectively manages the acute phase of withdrawal and stabilizes the patient initially.