Final answer:
The nurse should first attend to the 56-year-old woman experiencing an acute asthma attack due to the life-threatening nature of the condition, which requires urgent intervention to restore breathing and prevent serious complications.
Therefore , option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
A registered nurse is prioritizing care for four patients. The patient that the nurse should see first is the 56-year-old woman with an acute asthma attack. An acute asthma attack can be life-threatening and requires immediate assessment and treatment to restore normal breathing and prevent complications such as respiratory failure.
The 44-year-old woman 1 day postoperative may require monitoring but is likely stable a day after surgery. The 64-year-old man who had a stroke 2 days ago is also a concern, but if he is stable, his need for immediate attention may be less urgent than the asthma patient. The 67-year-old man with a fractured hip likely requires pain management and preparation for surgery but is not in immediate danger. The critical nature of breathing issues takes precedence in triage situations due to the vital necessity of maintaining an open airway and adequate oxygenation.