Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is receiving a change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A. The nurse should see the client with a new onset of dyspnea after a total hip arthroplasty first because it could indicate a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening complication post-surgery. Dyspnea can be a sign of inadequate oxygenation, which needs immediate assessment and intervention to prevent serious complications. Option B, a urinary tract infection with low-grade fever, can be managed with appropriate antibiotics and does not require immediate attention. Option C, acute abdominal pain of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, may require evaluation but does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk. Option D, pneumonia with an oxygen saturation of 96%, indicates adequate oxygenation and can be monitored closely without immediate intervention.