A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. The nurse should recognize that which of the following actions is the priority?

A. Review stress factors that can cause disease exacerbation: Stress management is important for long-term care but does not address immediate physiologic needs during an acute flare. B. Promote physical mobility: Mobility is beneficial for overall health, but it is not the highest priority during acute exacerbations where fluid and electrolyte imbalances are urgent. C. Provide emotional support: Emotional support is important, but it does not take precedence over life-sustaining interventions during acute illness. D. Evaluate fluid and electrolyte levels: Clients with ulcerative colitis exacerbations are at risk of severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to diarrhea. Monitoring and correcting these imbalances takes precedence over other interventions.