If the pH is below 6, what is the immediate action required?

When the pH is below 6, it indicates severe acidemia, which can lead to life-threatening complications. The immediate action required is to assess vital signs. This step is crucial because vital signs provide essential data about the patient's current physiological status, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature. By assessing these parameters, a nurse can determine the severity of the situation, identify any acute changes that may require urgent intervention, and guide further treatment actions.

Assessing vital signs allows for timely recognition of instability in the patient's condition, which is critical before determining any interventions—such as administering oxygen, increasing fluids, or considering CPR based on the patient's overall status. Prioritizing vital signs helps to establish a baseline and evaluate if there is a deterioration that mandates more aggressive or immediate treatment measures.