Final answer:
The nurse should first assess the client who had a pneumonectomy 24 hours ago and is in a high Fowler’s position due to the risk of respiratory complications and the need for continuous monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to which client a nurse should assess first, based on the urgency of their medical situations. In medical practice, prioritizing patients is crucial, and nurses must use their clinical judgment to decide which patient requires immediate attention. The client who had a pneumonectomy (surgical removal of a lung) 24 hours ago and is in high Fowler's position, should be assessed first. This position is often used to maximize breathing efficiency, especially post-surgery, but patients who recently underwent a pneumonectomy are at high risk for complications such as respiratory distress and hemorrhage, and thus require prompt and continuous monitoring.