A caregiver reports that their infant has been unusually sleepy and has a fever. What should the nurse assess first?

In the scenario where a caregiver reports that an infant has been unusually sleepy and has a fever, assessing the level of consciousness is of utmost priority. This is crucial because changes in an infant's level of consciousness can indicate the severity of an underlying condition and potential neurological involvement.

An altered level of consciousness can suggest that the infant may be experiencing serious issues such as infection (like meningitis), increased intracranial pressure, or even metabolic disturbances, which require immediate evaluation and intervention. Identifying any potential deterioration in neurological status allows for timely actions to protect the infant's health.

While pulse oximetry, skin turgor, and respiratory rate assessments are important in evaluating the overall health and stability of the infant, they do not take precedence over assessing consciousness in the context of unusual sleepiness and fever. In a clinical emergency, the assessment of the nervous system, particularly focusing on consciousness, provides critical information that helps in determining the need for urgent medical intervention.