Question

The nurse is assigned to care for a group of four clients. Which client should be seen first?

A. A client, short of breath with chest pain.
B. A client that is incontinent of stool.
C. A client requiring a flu vaccine
D. A client requesting a bath

Answer 1

The nurse should prioritize care by seeing the client with shortness of breath and chest pain first, as these symptoms are potentially life-threatening. Other clients' requests come after addressing life-threatening issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is assigned to care for a group of four clients and must determine which client should be seen first. When prioritizing patient care, it is crucial to assess and address the most life-threatening conditions first. Thus, the client exhibiting shortness of breath with chest pain should be seen immediately, as these symptoms may indicate a life-threatening condition such as a heart attack or pulmonary issues. The other clients, while they require care, do not present with symptoms suggesting an immediate threat to life. Therefore, the order of care should be: A) the client in distress due to respiratory or cardiac issues; B) the client that is incontinent of stool; C) the client requiring a flu vaccine; and D) the client requesting a bath.