A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?

Rationale: A. This is the correct answer because new-onset tachypnea in a client with a hip fracture is a potential sign of a life-threatening complication, especially pulmonary embolism (PE) or fat embolism syndrome, both of which are common after long-bone fractures. Tachypnea is often one of the earliest signs of impaired oxygenation. Because this represents an acute change in respiratory status, the nurse should assess this client first following the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority framework. B. Lower extremity weakness is an expected effect of epidural anesthesia due to motor nerve blockade. While it should be monitored for complications (such as excessive spread of anesthesia or hematoma), it is not as immediately life-threatening as acute respiratory compromise. C. An HbA1c of 7.2% indicates slightly above target glycemic control for many clients but is a chronic finding. It does not require immediate intervention or urgent assessment. D. Sinus arrhythmia is often a normal physiologic variation, especially related to respiration. If the client is stable and already on cardiac monitoring, this finding is expected and not urgent compared with acute respiratory changes.