What assessment finding requires the nurse's priority action in a patient following a splenectomy?

In a patient following a splenectomy, the priority action is driven by the increased risk of infection and certain complications that can arise after the removal of the spleen, which plays a critical role in filtering blood and fighting infections.

In this case, the presence of a headache and chills in a young patient indicates possible systemic infection or sepsis, which is particularly concerning in the post-splenectomy population due to their compromised immune response. Patients who have undergone splenectomy are at greater risk for infections from encapsulated organisms, which can lead to severe complications if not promptly addressed.

Recognizing the signs of infection, such as headache and chills, is crucial since timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes. This symptomatology serves as a red flag that warrants immediate assessment and potentially rapid treatment to manage any developing infection.

Other symptoms noted in different options, while concerning, do not indicate an immediate need for intervention as critical as the risk of infection associated with splenectomy.