A new mother on the postpartum unit runs out of the room screaming that her newborn infant's crib is empty and the baby is missing. Which action should the nurse take first?

The correct answer is choice d. Activate the lockdown procedure. Choice A rationale: Asking the mother if any visitors were expected to arrive is important for gathering information, but it is not the immediate priority when a newborn is missing. The primary concern is to ensure the safety and security of the infant. Choice B rationale: Matching ID bands of all infants and mothers on the unit is a crucial step in verifying the identity of the newborn, but it should be done after ensuring that the unit is secure and the baby cannot be taken out of the facility. Choice C rationale: Determining if the newborn is in the nursery is also important, but it should be done after securing the unit to prevent any potential abduction. Choice D rationale: Activating the lockdown procedure is the first and most critical action. This ensures that all exits are secured, preventing anyone from leaving the unit with the infant. It is a safety measure to protect the newborn and is the immediate priority in such situations.