Which client should the nurse assess first based on post-surgery conditions?

The priority in post-surgery conditions is to address those situations that pose an immediate risk to the client's safety and well-being. In this case, a client with a saturated surgical dressing following a foot amputation indicates a potential problem such as excessive bleeding or fluid accumulation that could lead to complications like infection or significant blood loss. This situation requires urgent assessment to ensure that there are no serious underlying issues that need to be addressed immediately to prevent further harm.

Addressing the other clients is also important but may not present the same level of immediate risk. A client ready for a whirlpool bath with a fallen dressing can wait for an assessment, as this situation may not represent an immediate threat to safety. Similarly, while pain and redness at a hemodialysis graft site are concerning and warrant attention, they may not be as urgent as a saturated dressing indicating possible bleeding. Lastly, a client experiencing confusion and pulling out a Foley catheter signifies a safety issue that needs attention, but the saturated dressing takes precedence as it could indicate a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.

Prioritizing assessments based on the severity and immediacy of potential threats to a client's health is a key aspect of nursing practice, and in this case, the saturated surgical dressing indicates a