Final answer:
When a patient is admitted with a gunshot wound, the nurse performs a rapid assessment focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation, followed by a full physical exam and a detailed assessment of neurological function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would likely perform a rapid and detailed assessment upon Patient P's admission to the hospital with a gunshot wound. This would involve a primary survey to assess and address any life-threatening conditions, focusing on the ABCs: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Following this, a secondary survey is done to gather a more thorough medical history and a full physical exam. Neurological assessments and checks for other injuries, including signs of shock or loss of function, would be important. The stabilization of the patient's condition and preparation for possible surgery might require collaboration with surgeons and the anesthesiology team to review critical concerns such as anticipated blood loss and equipment availability.
Given the emergency nature of a gunshot wound, the nurse might perform specific tests to assess the injury's impact on neurological function, such as asking the patient to smile, stick out the tongue, or shrug shoulders, and test sensory perception with actions like feeling the tip of a pen on the skin. Overall, the nurse would prioritize identifying any critical issues and preparing for immediate interventions as needed.