Final answer:
The nurse should first inquire about a patient's recent dietary intake when they come to the emergency department with nausea and vomiting. This helps to identify any immediate causes related to food ingestion and assists in diagnosing potential gastrointestinal issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient arrives at the emergency department complaining of nausea and vomiting, the nurse should first inquire about the patient's recent dietary intake. This initial question can quickly determine if the symptoms are related to a recent meal or food intake, which may suggest food poisoning or an allergic reaction. It is also immediately relevant information that can assist the healthcare team in ruling out or considering acute gastroenteritis-like symptoms that are being seen at a high frequency, as was the scenario in a hospital in western Florida.
Knowing the recent dietary intake is crucial, particularly in light of potential causes of gastrointestinal distress such as infections or intoxications, which can produce symptoms like those the patient is experiencing. These symptoms could indicate various conditions such as gastroenteritis, food allergies, or even the onset of food poisoning. Inquiring about allergies, past medical history, and family history are also important, but secondary to acute assessment needs.