The nurse is caring for a client who is being admitted to the emergency department with a body temperature of 105.2" F (40.7° C). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Apply ice bags to the neck and groin is correct because a temperature of 105.2°F (40.7°C) indicates severe hyperthermia or possible heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. The priority is rapid cooling to prevent cellular damage, organ failure, and neurologic injury. Applying ice packs to major vascular areas such as the neck, axillae, and groin promotes heat loss through conduction and helps lower core temperature quickly. B. Measure the amount of urine being produced is incorrect as the first action because although monitoring urine output is important to assess kidney perfusion and possible rhabdomyolysis, it does not address the immediate life-threatening hyperthermia. Cooling is the priority. C. Reduce the ambient temperature to 60°F (15.5°C) is incorrect because while lowering room temperature may assist with cooling, it is not the most immediate or effective intervention compared to direct cooling measures such as ice packs or cooling blankets. D. Obtain a blood sample for arterial blood gasses is incorrect as the first action because laboratory testing is important for evaluation, but stabilizing the client’s elevated core temperature takes priority according to emergency care principles (ABCs and immediate threat management).