A nurse in a long-term care facility has just received change-of-shift report. Which of the following clients should the nurse attend to first?

A. A client who is receiving an enteral tube feeding and has a blood glucose level of 155 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): A mildly elevated blood glucose level is not immediately life-threatening and can be managed after addressing more urgent issues. This client is stable at the moment. B. A client who has a spinal cord injury and needs a dressing change: While important for preventing infection, a scheduled dressing change is not an immediate threat to the client’s life or health and can be safely performed after more urgent concerns are addressed. C. A client who has a temperature of 38.4° C (101.1° F) and appears confused: Fever and new-onset confusion suggest a possible infection, such as sepsis or urinary tract infection, especially in older adults. This situation indicates a potential life-threatening condition and requires immediate assessment and intervention. D. A client who had a hip arthroplasty and is requesting pain medication: Managing pain is important, but it is not immediately life-threatening. After addressing the client with fever and confusion, attending to the client's pain needs would be appropriate.