A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a group of clients Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. When prioritizing client care, the nurse should first attend to dropdown followed by dropdown
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale Client 3: The client is experiencing wound dehiscence with evisceration (separated incision with protruding organs), which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent infection, shock, and further tissue damage. Client 1: The client with dementia is confused and ambulating unsafely while attached to an IV, creating a high risk for falls and injury that requires prompt intervention once the immediate life-threatening condition is addressed. Rationale for Incorrect Choices Client 2: The client has a small area of partial-thickness skin loss consistent with a stage 2 pressure injury; this requires timely care but is not an immediate or life-threatening priority. Client 4: The preoperative client is stable, alert, oriented, and without acute concerns; routine admission care can be safely delayed. Client 5: The postoperative client’s pain has improved from 7/10 to 3/10 following analgesic administration, indicating effective treatment and no urgent intervention needed. Client 6: The client is stable and due for a scheduled antihypertensive medication; this is a routine task and does not take priority over acute safety or life-threatening issues.