After receiving report on an inpatient acute care unit, which client should the nurse assess first?

A. The client who had surgery yesterday and is experiencing a paralytic ileus with absent bowel sounds: Paralytic ileus is common postoperatively and, while concerning, is usually not immediately life-threatening. B. The client with a bowel obstruction due to a volvulus who is experiencing abdominal rigidity: Abdominal rigidity suggests possible bowel ischemia or perforation, which are surgical emergencies. This client is at highest risk for rapid deterioration and requires immediate assessment and intervention. C. The client with an obstruction of the large intestine who is experiencing abdominal distention: While abdominal distention indicates obstruction, it is not immediately life-threatening unless accompanied by signs of ischemia or perforation. D. The client with a small bowel obstruction who has a nasogastric tube that is draining greenish fluid: NG drainage is expected with small bowel obstruction and indicates decompression is occurring. This is less urgent than a client showing signs of peritonitis.