When caring for a client with heat stroke, what should the nurse do first?

In cases of heat stroke, the immediate priority is to lower the body temperature as quickly as possible to prevent serious complications or death. Removing the client’s clothing helps facilitate cooling by allowing for better heat dissipation from the skin. With clothing removed, other cooling methods can be more effective, such as applying cool towels, using fans, or placing the individual in a cool environment.

Other interventions, like placing a fan or applying a cooling blanket, are important but should be done after the clothing is removed to ensure optimal cooling. Obtaining peripheral vascular access is less urgent than addressing the heat stress, as the primary concern is to reduce body temperature immediately. Thus, the first action in the management of heat stroke should focus on removing clothing to aid in the cooling process.