In the event of a patient requesting immediate attention due to pain, which action should a nurse take?

When a patient requests immediate attention due to pain, the best course of action is to request a Registered Nurse (RN). This is because RNs are trained to perform comprehensive assessments and are equipped to handle complex patient needs, including the evaluation and management of pain. They have the necessary knowledge and skills to determine the underlying cause of the pain and to implement appropriate interventions or treatment plans.

In urgent situations, it is crucial to have a skilled professional like an RN involved immediately to ensure that the patient receives the best care possible. RNs can also communicate effectively with physicians about the patient's condition and the need for further interventions, including pain management strategies.

While assessing the patient or providing medication might seem appropriate, those actions should be performed by qualified personnel who can also interpret the results of their assessments and decide on further actions. Access to a medical assistant might not be adequate in this scenario, as they may lack the expertise required to effectively assess and manage a patient in pain.