A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients following change-of-shift report. Which of the following clients should the nurse attend to first?

A. A client who has Alzheimer's disease and requires assistance to the bathroom: This is important but less urgent compared to the risk of worsening condition in a client with a decreased level of consciousness.
B. A client who has diverticulitis and a temperature of 38.3° C (100.9° F): This is a concern, but it is not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness, which may indicate a more severe underlying issue.
C. A client who has a prescription for a sputum specimen to be obtained before breakfast: While important for diagnostic purposes, this is less urgent compared to a decreased level of consciousness.
D. A client who sustained a head injury 2 days ago and has a decreased level of consciousness: This is correct because a decreased level of consciousness in a client with a recent head injury could indicate a serious complication, such as increased intracranial pressure or worsening of their condition, requiring immediate assessment and intervention.

Heart rate
• Hypovolemic Shock
o The elevated heart rate of 104/min is consistent with hypovolemic shock, where the body compensates for reduced blood volume by increasing heart rate to maintain cardiac output and perfusion.
• Pulmonary Embolism
o An increased heart rate can also occur with pulmonary embolism as the body responds to decreased oxygenation and impaired cardiac function.
Respiratory effort
• Hypovolemic Shock
o Increased respiratory rate of 24/min may be a compensatory mechanism in hypovolemic shock to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues despite reduced blood volume.
• Pulmonary Embolism
o Elevated respiratory rate can also be seen in pulmonary embolism due to impaired gas exchange and increased respiratory effort to compensate for decreased oxygen levels.
Pain
• Pulmonary Embolism
o Pain, particularly pleuritic chest pain, is a common symptom of pulmonary embolism and could be indicative of embolic obstruction in the pulmonary circulation.
Blood pressure
• Hypovolemic Shock
o The drop in blood pressure to 88/54 mm Hg is consistent with hypovolemic shock, where reduced blood volume leads to decreased perfusion and hypotension.
Mentation
• Hypovolemic Shock
o Altered mentation, such as restlessness or agitation, can be a sign of hypovolemic shock as decreased perfusion affects brain function and consciousness.
• Pulmonary Embolism
o Changes in mentation can also occur in pulmonary embolism due to hypoxemia or decreased perfusion to the brain.