What should a nurse prioritize if a cardiac monitor alarm indicates no ECG complexes?

Prioritizing the assessment of the client in response to a cardiac monitor alarm indicating no ECG complexes is crucial because this situation may indicate a serious clinical change, such as the patient having experienced a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening arrhythmia. Assessing the client allows the nurse to quickly determine the patient's current condition, including checking for responsiveness, pulse, and other vital signs.

While checking monitor settings, calling for help, or changing batteries are important steps, they do not address the immediate need to assess whether the patient is stable or in crisis. With a potential loss of electrical activity in the heart, the priority must be to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient first. Establishing the patient's status not only guides subsequent interventions but can also dictate the urgency with which more advanced care is implemented. Therefore, direct evaluation of the patient takes precedence in this critical situation.