A nurse is planning care after receiving reports for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?

Rationale: A. This option is incorrect because a blood pressure of 118/74 mm Hg falls within normal limits, even for a client being treated for hypertension. While monitoring is important, there is no immediate threat to the client’s safety that would require urgent assessment. B. This option is incorrect because a fasting blood glucose of 118 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range (70–110 mg/dL) but does not pose an immediate risk for harm. This client’s condition can be monitored and addressed after higher-priority concerns are evaluated. C. This option is correct because a urinary output of 500 mL over 24 hours is considered oliguria, which is significantly below the expected output of approximately 0.5–1 mL/kg/hr for adults. In a postoperative client, oliguria can indicate acute kidney injury, hypovolemia, or obstruction and may lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. Early assessment is crucial to determine the cause and implement interventions such as fluid management, monitoring electrolytes, or notifying the provider. This makes the client the highest priority for assessment. D. This option is incorrect because a heart rate of 68/min is within normal limits for an adult. While ongoing monitoring of IV fluids and vital signs is necessary, there is no immediate indication of instability that would require urgent attention.