What is the first action a nurse should take during an admission assessment for a client with asthma and food allergies?

During an admission assessment for a client with asthma and food allergies, the priority action is to ask the client to identify their specific food allergies. This information is crucial because food allergies can lead to anaphylaxis or other severe reactions that can exacerbate respiratory distress in someone who already has asthma. Understanding the client’s food allergies allows the healthcare team to avoid triggering these potentially life-threatening reactions, ensuring the client’s safety and guiding the creation of an appropriate care plan.

Gathering information about food allergies is essential not only for immediate safety but also for planning dietary needs and avoiding allergenic food in any meals or medications provided in the healthcare setting. While the client's respiratory status, height and weight, and medication history are all significant components of a comprehensive assessment, the immediate threat posed by food allergies in this context makes identifying specific allergies the top priority.