A nurse observes an unknown man in a laboratory coat making copies of a client's medical record. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: A client who had a blood transfusion and has a blood pressure of 138/76 mm Hg. This client is stable. The blood pressure is within normal range, indicating that the client is not experiencing a transfusion reaction, which could cause hypotension. Therefore, this client is not the highest priority.

Choice B rationale: A client who has skeletal traction for a femur fracture and reports incisional discomfort of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10. While pain management is an important aspect of client care, a pain level of 4 indicates that the client’s pain is manageable. Therefore, this client is not the highest priority.

Choice C rationale: A client who is 4 hours postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty and has a urinary output of 15 mL/hr. This client is showing signs of oliguria, which could indicate a serious complication such as hypovolemia or acute kidney injury. This client is the highest priority because these complications can lead to further serious issues such as shock or end-organ damage if not addressed promptly.

The nurse should prioritize the client who requests pain medication as their need is likely the most urgent. Pain management is an important aspect of nursing care and addressing the client's pain should be a priority.

The other clients have needs that are important but not as urgent as the client in pain. The client who wants a bath can wait until the nurse has addressed more pressing needs. The client who asks to review instructions about their new prescription can also wait, as long as they are not in immediate danger. The client who needs a referral for home health services can also wait until the nurse has addressed more urgent needs.