Final answer:
The nurse should prioritize preventing potential complications related to immobility, such as blood clots, pneumonia, pressure sores, and urinary tract infections, which can lead to serious health issues like respiratory failure and infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a patient with impaired mobility, the nurse should prioritize the prevention of complications related to immobility. One of the most serious complications is the risk of blood clots, which can result from prolonged immobility, such as during the healing process after hip fractures. In addition, the lack of movement can lead to pneumonia, due to poor air exchange, pressure sores (bed sores) that expose patients to infection risks, and urinary tract infections from prolonged catheterization. Considering the possible severe health consequences, such as respiratory failure, infections, and impaired healing, prevention and management of these risks are crucial in patient care with mobility issues.