A nurse is assessing a client who has peptic ulcer disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Rationale: A. Hematemesis (vomiting blood) indicates active gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to hypovolemic shock and is a life-threatening complication of peptic ulcer disease. It is therefore the priority assessment finding. B. Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease but is not immediately life-threatening. C. Epigastric discomfort is a typical symptom but is less urgent compared to active bleeding. D. Constipation is a non-specific gastrointestinal symptom and does not pose an immediate threat in peptic ulcer disease.