A client returns from surgery following a thoracic aneurysm repair and the nurse plans to observe for signs of hypovolemia. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

Rationale: A. Measure pulse and blood pressure: Vital signs are the most immediate indicators of hypovolemia. A rapid pulse and hypotension can signal significant blood loss or inadequate circulating volume, allowing the nurse to detect early shock and initiate prompt interventions. B. Observe skin elasticity: Skin turgor can provide information about fluid status, but it changes more slowly and is less sensitive than vital signs in detecting acute hypovolemia. It is supplementary to more direct hemodynamic assessments. C. Measure urine output: Urine output is an important measure of perfusion and renal response to hypovolemia, but it reflects fluid status over a longer period and is not as immediately responsive as blood pressure and pulse. D. Auscultate breath sounds: While monitoring for pulmonary complications is important after thoracic surgery, breath sounds do not provide direct or immediate information about circulating blood volume or hypovolemic status.