When should a nurse perform an assessment on a client with an urgent presenting symptom?

Performing an assessment on a client with an urgent presenting symptom immediately after the initial assignment is essential because urgent symptoms indicate that the client's condition may require prompt attention. Timely assessments are crucial to identify any critical issues that could jeopardize the client's health if not addressed rapidly.

When assessing a client with urgent symptoms, the nurse must prioritize this task over routine assessments or other responsibilities. This ensures that any life-threatening conditions or significant changes in the client's status can be recognized and managed quickly. The immediate evaluation allows for the initiation of necessary interventions, which can significantly impact the client's outcome.

In contrast, assessing when prioritized by a manager or after shift report introduces unnecessary delays when urgent care is needed. Additionally, waiting for "whenever there is time available" or even delaying the assessment until other duties are completed could lead to serious complications, making it imperative that the nurse takes action without hesitation. Therefore, the correct approach is to address urgent assessments immediately to ensure client safety and quality care.