Final answer:
The nurse executive's first action is to review critical events, confirm sterility and equipment availability, and discuss key concerns for patient care and recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse executive's first action to identify the nursing staff needed for a new inpatient unit is to review the anticipated critical events, confirm sterility and equipment availability, and discuss key concerns for patient care and recovery with the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional. This initial assessment is important in determining the specific staffing requirements based on the complexity and acuity of the unit.