At the beginning of the shift, in which order of priority should the practical nurse (PN) assess these four clients? (Arrange from highest priority first to lowest priority last.)

A. An adult client with an ulcer whose hemoglobin is 9.5 grams/dL: A hemoglobin of 9.5 indicates mild anemia, which is important to monitor but is not immediately life-threatening in a stable client. This assessment is lower priority compared with acute electrolyte or oxygenation issues. B. A young adult with a history of asthma whose arterial pH is 7.48: A slightly alkalotic pH may indicate mild respiratory alkalosis. While it requires monitoring, the client is stable and not in immediate distress, making this a moderate priority. C. An adult woman with vomiting whose potassium is 2.8 mEq/L: Hypokalemia at this level is moderate to severe and increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Prompt assessment and intervention are needed, placing this client higher in priority. D. An older adult with dizziness whose O₂ saturation is 86%: Hypoxemia is the highest priority because low oxygen saturation can rapidly compromise organ function and may be life-threatening. Immediate assessment and intervention are required.