When responding to a 7-year-old with persistent coughing, what should the nurse do first?

In situations where a child presents with persistent coughing, obtaining more information about the child's condition is crucial for determining the appropriate next steps in their care. This step allows the nurse to understand the context of the cough, such as its duration, associated symptoms (like wheezing or difficulty breathing), potential triggers, and previous medical history. Engaging with the parent can provide critical insights into whether the coughing has been episodic or continuous, if any recent illnesses are affecting the child, and whether any interventions have been tried at home.

Establishing this communication helps prioritize patient safety and ensures that decisions regarding treatment are based on a comprehensive understanding of the child's health status. A clear understanding of the symptoms may guide what actions are needed—whether it is administering treatment, further assessment, or contacting a physician.

Actions like checking heart rate or administering nebulizer treatment might be warranted later on depending on the information gathered but are not the first steps without context. Likewise, having the parent pick up the child does not address the immediate need to assess the child's condition thoroughly.