Final answer:
The nurse should prioritize the mental status exam for an 80-year-old client who has undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery to detect any cognitive impairments post-operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old client who has had coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Among the assessments listed, the nurse should prioritize mental status for this client. This is because cognitive impairments, including loss of mental acuity, can frequently occur following cardiac procedures, especially in older adults. It is critical to assess orientation, memory, language, speech, sensorium, and judgment and abstract reasoning after such a complex surgery, as these areas might be impacted by the operation and the anesthesia.
Given the client's advanced age and the nature of the surgery, changes to cerebral function can have significant implications for recovery and subsequent quality of life. Therefore, the mental status exam should be a focus, as well as ongoing monitoring for any changes in cognition or the presence of delirium, which can influence both immediate and long-term outcomes for the client.