The nurse is admitting a client from the post-anesthesia unit to the postoperative surgical care unit. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?

A. A complete blood cell count (CBC) is important for monitoring but is not an immediate priority during the admission process. B. This is a conditional order (PRN/as needed). The nurse must first assess the client's bladder (e.g., check for distention, monitor output) and allow time for spontaneous voiding to occur. It's not the first action, but a necessary intervention if a certain condition (inability to void) is met later. C. Advancing from clear liquids as tolerated can be important for nutrition but does not address immediate postoperative concerns regarding urinary function. D. Cefazolin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly prescribed for surgical prophylaxis to prevent postoperative infections. The first priority after surgery is infection prevention, since the client is most vulnerable during the immediate postoperative period. Administering the first dose of the antibiotic promptly helps reduce the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), which can lead to serious complications. The other prescriptions are important but not time-critical compared to initiating antibiotic therapy.