A nurse in an antepartum unit is triaging clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

A. A client who is at 28 weeks of gestation and reports of painless vaginal bleeding: Painless vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester may indicate placenta previa, a potentially life-threatening condition. This requires immediate evaluation to assess maternal and fetal well-being. Delayed assessment could result in severe hemorrhage. Therefore, this client is the top priority. B. A client who has missed a period and reports vaginal spotting: This may suggest early pregnancy or a possible miscarriage, but it is typically less urgent. While the client needs evaluation, it is unlikely to be life-threatening at this stage. This can be triaged after more critical cases are stabilized. C. A client who is at 38 weeks of gestation and reports a cough and fever: Though a respiratory infection is concerning, it is generally not immediately life-threatening. The client should be assessed for infection and fetal well-being, but it does not override active vaginal bleeding. This client is stable enough to wait a short while. D. A client who is at 14 weeks of gestation and reports intractable nausea and vomiting: This may indicate hyperemesis gravidarum, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Although serious, it typically does not pose an immediate threat to life. The condition requires treatment but is not the most urgent in this group.