Question

A nurse has received report on assigned patients and is prioritizing their care. Which of the following patients should the nurse assess first?

1) A female patient who is complaining of a headache
2) A patient who has just returned from surgery and has saturated his dressing
3) A patient with a femur fracture that is requesting pain medications
4) A male patient who needs to use the bathroom

Answer 1

The nurse should assess the patient who has just returned from surgery and has saturated his dressing first.

Step-by-step explanation:

In prioritizing patient care, the nurse should assess the patient who has just returned from surgery and has saturated his dressing first. This patient's saturated dressing suggests a potential complication or bleeding, which requires immediate attention and intervention to prevent further complications.