Which client should a nurse assess first when receiving morning report after a motor vehicle collision?

The client with a lung contusion and low oxygen saturation should be assessed first due to the critical importance of adequate oxygenation and airway management in trauma cases. A lung contusion involves bruising of the lung tissue, which can lead to impaired gas exchange and respiratory distress. Low oxygen saturation indicates that the client is not receiving enough oxygen, which can quickly lead to hypoxia and other severe complications.

In this scenario, prioritizing the assessment of the client with the lung contusion is vital because prompt intervention may be required, such as supplemental oxygen or additional respiratory support. Monitoring this client's respiratory status is crucial to prevent deterioration and ensure adequate oxygenation.

Other options, while they may indicate significant injuries, do not pose an immediate threat to life in the same way. A fractured tibia, for instance, is serious but does not directly compromise the patient's airway or oxygenation. A pelvic fracture and bruising also require attention but generally indicate issues that can be addressed after ensuring the airway and breathing of clients with more pressing respiratory concerns are stable. The client with a pneumothorax needing chest tube drainage also requires monitoring, but the presence of a chest tube suggests that their immediate airway intervention is ongoing. Thus, the priority lies in addressing the acute respiratory needs