Which client should the nurse assess first based on immediate health risks?

The priority in a nursing assessment is typically given to clients who are at the highest risk for immediate health complications. The correct choice involves a client with a resistant bacterial infection and intravenous discomfort. This individual is at significant risk for severe complications due to their infection, especially if it is resistant to standard treatment. The discomfort they experience could indicate complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, or infection at the IV site, all of which can escalate quickly if not addressed.

Infections that are resistant to typical antibiotics pose a substantial risk to the patient’s health, as they may lead to systemic complications such as sepsis, which requires urgent intervention. Therefore, prioritizing the assessment of this client allows the nurse to identify any immediate issues related to the IV site and the infection, facilitating swift and appropriate treatment interventions.

The other scenarios present health concerns but may not pose as immediate a threat as the client with the resistant bacterial infection. For instance, while a client with postoperative itching and nausea may require attention, these symptoms may not indicate an acute threat compared to a bacterial infection that has the potential to worsen rapidly. The client with a pulmonary embolus, while serious, has an INR of 1.9, which may still provide some level of anticoag