A female patient reports nausea and vomiting after visiting a seaside resort. What should the nurse prioritize in her assessment?

The prioritization of assessing the presence of sunburn is crucial in this scenario due to the potential implications on the patient’s nausea and vomiting. When individuals spend time outdoors at a seaside resort, they can be exposed to excessive sunlight, which may lead to sunburn. Sunburn can not only cause skin damage but can also evoke systemic symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, due to the body’s inflammatory response to the injury and dehydration from potential fluid loss.

While considering other aspects like the patient’s rest and sleep patterns, typical meal patterns, and recent time zone changes can be relevant in a holistic assessment, they are less likely to be directly related to the immediate symptoms of nausea and vomiting in this context. Sunburn is a specific and treatable condition that may give insight into the cause of the gastrointestinal symptoms, making it a priority for evaluation and subsequent management.