A school nurse is notified of an emergency in which several children were injured following the collapse of playground equipment. Upon arrival at the playground, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Advocacy is a leadership role that helps others to self-actualize.

• A. Advocacy is a leadership role that helps others to self-actualize. This statement is true and reflects one of the core principles of advocacy, which is to empower others to achieve their full potential and exercise their rights and responsibilities. This choice is correct.
• B. Subordinates are advocates for the nurse manager. This statement is false and contradicts one of the core principles of advocacy, which is to act in the best interest of those who are vulnerable or oppressed, not those who are in positions of power or authority. This choice is incorrect.
• C. Advocacy encourages clients to rely on health care staff for decision-making. This statement is false and contradicts one of the core principles of advocacy, which is to respect and support clients' autonomy and self-determination, not to impose or influence their choices or actions. This choice is incorrect.
• D. Nurse managers should distrust people who expose inappropriate professional practices. This statement is false and contradicts one of the core principles of advocacy, which is to promote and uphold ethical standards and quality of care, not to conceal or ignore malpractice or misconduct. This choice is incorrect.

A. Instructing a staff member to maintain a log of emergency care provided is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is an important task, but it can be done later, after ensuring the safety of the staff and children and providing immediate care to those who need it.

B. Applying cervical spine collars to children who have suspected neck trauma is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is a priority intervention, but it can only be done after surveying the scene for potential hazards and making sure that it is safe to approach and touch the children.

C. Notifying guardians of the emergency and injuries to their children is not the first action that the nurse should take. This is a necessary step, but it can be delegated to another staff member or done after providing initial care to the children.

D. Surveying the scene for potential hazards to staff and children is the correct answer. This is the first action that the nurse should take, according to the principles of emergency care. The nurse needs to assess the situation and ensure that there are no dangers such as fire, electricity, gas, or falling debris that could harm anyone at the scene. The nurse also needs to determine how many children are injured, how severe their injuries are, and what resources are available to help them.