In the case of a patient exhibiting sudden disorientation and falling, what is the nurse's priority action?

In a situation where a patient is experiencing sudden disorientation and has fallen, the nurse’s priority action is to perform a thorough neurological assessment. Sudden changes in a patient’s mental status can indicate a serious underlying condition such as a stroke, head injury, or other neurological issues that require immediate attention. A comprehensive neurological evaluation allows the nurse to assess the patient's level of consciousness, pupil response, motor function, and other vital signs that can help determine the cause of the disorientation.

While assessing for signs of a urinary tract infection is important, particularly in the geriatric population where such infections can manifest as changes in mental status, it is not the immediate priority if the patient has exhibited sudden disorientation and has fallen. Other options like administering sedatives or notifying the healthcare team also do not address the immediate need to understand the patient’s neurological status, which is crucial for guiding further interventions and safety measures. Thus, conducting a thorough neurological assessment is the essential first step in managing this patient's acute condition effectively.