Final answer:
The next step is to ask if the patient has pain anywhere besides her ankle to assess for additional injuries, followed by examination of the injured site and ensuring proper distal perfusion and neurological function.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this clinical scenario involving a patient who has sustained an ankle injury, the appropriate next step is to ask if the patient has pain anywhere besides her ankle. It is crucial to assess for any additional injuries that may have occurred concurrently but are not immediately obvious. After assessing for additional pain or injuries, other priorities would be to evaluate the injured ankle for swelling, bruising, deformity, and range of motion, and to check for distal pulses, sensation, and motor function to ensure proper perfusion and neurological function below the site of injury. As implied by the scenario provided, the comprehensive preoperative safety checks, such as the Korotkoff sounds procedure during blood pressure measurement, signal the importance of detailed assessments to ensure patient safety and appropriate care.