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 D. Activate the lockdown procedure. Choice A rationale: Asking the mother about expected visitors is important for later investigation, but it does not address the immediate concern of a potentially missing infant and delays necessary security measures. Choice B rationale: Matching ID bands is an essential step in verifying the identity of infants and mothers, but it should follow initial actions to secure the area and prevent possible abduction. Choice C rationale: Determining if the newborn is in the nursery is a logical step but not the first priority. The immediate action should be to secure the unit to prevent any potential abductor from leaving. Choice D rationale: Activating the lockdown procedure is the first priority to ensure the safety of the infant and prevent any unauthorized individuals from leaving the facility. This step is crucial to quickly address the situation and prevent potential abduction.