Final answer:
A funduscopic examination is the priority assessment for a client with hypertension, as it can reveal retinal vessel changes indicative of the severity of the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is providing care for a client with hypertension. The priority physical assessment the nurse should include in examination of this client is a funduscopic examination of the retina. Hypertension can lead to changes in the retinal vessels, which may reflect the severity of the disease and the risk of associated complications such as stroke or heart attack. The funduscopic examination (also known as an ophthalmoscopic examination) allows healthcare professionals to view the back of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, choroid, and blood vessels. This assessment can reveal signs of damage from high blood pressure, such as narrowing of the blood vessels, hemorrhages, exudates, and sometimes swelling of the optic disc (papilledema). While other assessments are part of a comprehensive neurological exam and may be warranted depending on the patient's condition, the retinal examination is particularly important for patients with hypertension.