Final answer:
Upon observing a patient moaning and guarding her leg, a nurse should promptly assess the patient's pain and check for visible signs of injury, while also considering the patient's medical history and recent events.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse observes a patient like Edith Jacobson moaning and guarding her leg, the next step should be to assess the situation in order to provide appropriate care. This includes asking Edith to describe the pain, observing the condition of the leg for any visible signs of injury or infection, and checking for symptoms that might indicate a serious underlying condition. The nurse should also review Edith's medical history and any recent events that could have contributed to the pain, like a fall or surgery. Quick and efficient pain assessment and management are crucial to patient care, so it's essential for the nurse to take these steps promptly.