What is the next priority action for a nurse after assessing ABCs in a client with a head injury?

After assessing the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) in a client with a head injury, the next priority action for a nurse is to immobilize the client's cervical spine. This is critical because head injuries often come with the risk of concurrent spinal injuries, particularly at the cervical level. By immobilizing the cervical spine, the nurse helps prevent any further injury that could occur due to movement of the head or neck, which could exacerbate potential damage to the spinal cord.

The importance of this action lies in the need to protect the patient's neurological integrity and to ensure that any movement is minimized. Maintaining spinal alignment is essential, especially before any further assessments or interventions are performed. This is particularly crucial in head trauma cases, where there might not be an apparent injury to the spine, yet the risk remains significant.

While monitoring vital signs and assessing the Glasgow Coma Scale are important actions that follow in the management of a patient with a head injury, they are not as immediate as securing the cervical spine. Administering IV fluids can be a part of the treatment plan but does not take precedence over ensuring spinal stabilization.