Which client should the nurse assess first upon receiving report?

The situation involving the client post-thyroidectomy with a positive Trousseau's sign is the priority for assessment. A positive Trousseau’s sign indicates latent tetany caused by hypocalcemia, which can occur after a thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands were inadvertently damaged or removed. This condition can lead to severe complications such as muscle spasms, seizures, and cardiac issues if not promptly addressed.

In a postoperative context, immediate assessment is critical, especially since hypocalcemia can manifest quickly and requires timely intervention, typically through calcium supplements or other clinical measures. This scenario emphasizes the need for vigilance in monitoring potential complications following surgery, particularly in cases involving the endocrine system, where hormone balance is crucial for the overall function of the body.

The other clients, while needing assessment, do not present with issues that are as urgent. The 1-day postoperative client experiencing abdominal pain and anuria may require attention, but the absence of urine output for 6 hours does not immediately signal a life-threatening condition. The elderly client with high blood pressure is asymptomatic, indicating a stable situation that can wait for further evaluation, and the client with hepatitis C, despite having elevated liver enzymes, does not require urgent intervention. Therefore, prioritizing the client