Which patient scenario requires the nurse to take immediate action?

A patient scenario that involves a rigid abdomen is a medical emergency requiring immediate action due to the potential indication of a serious underlying condition. A rigid abdomen often suggests the presence of peritonitis or a perforated organ, both of which can lead to significant complications such as sepsis or hemorrhage.

In such a situation, the nurse's immediate actions would focus on assessing the patient's vital signs, performing a focused abdominal assessment, and preparing for possible surgical intervention. The urgency stems from the risk of rapid deterioration in health status, making it critical to address this condition without delay.

While dysuria and fever, asthma management, and low energy with a mild cough are important concerns, they typically do not pose the same immediate life-threatening risk that a rigid abdomen does. Therefore, the scenario with the patient experiencing a rigid abdomen clearly stands out as requiring prompt intervention by the healthcare team.