Question

Which of the following clients should be prioritized with the most urgent need for a nursing assessment?

A. A client with a history of diabetes reporting increased thirst and frequent urination.
B. A client complaining of moderate abdominal pain after eating.
C. A client with a known heart condition who reports sudden chest pain.
D. A client who had a scheduled elective surgery and is now requesting pain medication.

Answer 1

The client with the most urgent need for a nursing assessment is Option C, the client with a known heart condition reporting sudden chest pain, due to the risk of myocardial infarction or other serious cardiac events.

Step-by-step explanation:

The prioritization of clients in a medical setting is crucial for ensuring that those with the most urgent needs receive timely assessments and interventions. In the scenario presented, we must prioritize clients based on the acuity of their symptoms and the potential for rapid deterioration.

Option C, a client with a known heart condition reporting sudden chest pain, should be given the highest priority. Sudden chest pain in individuals with heart conditions can be an indication of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or other life-threatening cardiac events. This situation requires immediate assessment to prevent serious complications or death.

Option A describes a client with a history of diabetes experiencing increased thirst and frequent urination. These symptoms, while potentially indicative of poorly controlled blood glucose levels, are not immediately life-threatening and would be prioritized after the client with chest pain.

Option B indicates a client complaining of moderate abdominal pain after eating, which could suggest a variety of non-emergent conditions and would be seen after the more acute presentations.

Lastly, Option D is a client requesting pain medication after an elective surgery, which is indeed important but not as urgent as the potentially critical conditions described above.