Which question should a nurse ask a patient upon arrival in the emergency department?

The most appropriate question for a nurse to ask upon a patient's arrival in the emergency department is whether the patient has started any new prescription or over-the-counter medications. This inquiry is crucial because understanding a patient's current medication regimen can provide important insights into their health status. Medications can significantly impact a patient's condition, especially in an emergency setting, where previous prescriptions or recently introduced treatments could be contributing factors to the patient's current issue.

In emergencies, patients may be experiencing a variety of symptoms that could relate to medication side effects, interactions, or complications. By gathering this information early on, the nurse can facilitate timely assessments, rule out potential medication-related concerns, and ensure the patient receives the most appropriate care.

Though asking about recent surgeries, current pain levels, and last meals can be relevant at various points during the assessment and may inform treatment plans, the question regarding new medications directly correlates with immediate patient safety and management in an emergency context.