A client with a prescription for "do not resuscitate" (DNR) begins to manifest signs of impending death. After notifying the family of the client's status, which priority action should the nurse implement?

Rationale: A. The client's need for pain medication should be determined: Ensuring comfort is the top priority in end-of-life care, especially for a client with a DNR order. Assessing and managing pain helps uphold dignity and minimize suffering during the dying process. B. The impending signs of death should be documented: Documentation is essential for maintaining accurate medical records, but it is not the first priority. Ensuring the client is comfortable and free from pain takes precedence over recording observations. C. The client's status should be conveyed to the chaplain: Spiritual support is important, but it should follow after the client’s physical needs—especially pain relief—are addressed. Involving the chaplain is helpful but not the most urgent intervention in this context. D. The nurse manager should be updated on the client's status: Informing leadership may be necessary for planning purposes, but it does not directly benefit the client’s care in the moment. Addressing physical symptoms must come before administrative communication.