A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

Placing soiled linens on the floor can lead to cross-contamination and the spread of infectious agents. This can pose a risk to the immunocompromised client, who may be more susceptible to infections.

Lining waste containers with single bags helps contain potentially infectious waste and facilitates proper disposal. This reduces the risk of contamination and exposure to infectious materials.

Using dampened cloths for dusting helps minimize the spread of dust and airborne particles. Dampening the cloth can help capture the dust and prevent it from becoming airborne, reducing the potential for respiratory exposure.

Placing uncapped sharps in a puncture-resistant container is an essential practice to prevent needlestick injuries and the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. This ensures safe disposal of sharps and reduces the risk of accidental needlestick injuries to healthcare workers and clients.

When a nurse encounters a client who has fallen, the immediate priority is to assess the client's condition and ensure their safety. By measuring the client's vital signs, the nurse can gather important information about the client's overall well-being, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. This assessment helps determine if there are any immediate medical concerns resulting from the fall, such as injury or shock, that require prompt attention.

The other options listed are also important but should be addressed after the initial assessment and safety measures:

1. Notify the client's provider: After assessing the client's condition, if there are significant injuries or concerns identified, the nurse should promptly notify the client's provider to seek further medical guidance and intervention.
2. Complete an incident report: Reporting the fall incident is an essential part of ensuring quality and safety in healthcare. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The immediate focus should be on the client's assessment and safety. Completing an incident report can be done once the client's immediate needs are addressed.
3. Document the fall in the client's medical record: Documenting the fall in the client's medical record is important for maintaining accurate and comprehensive documentation. However, it should be done after the client's assessment, vital sign measurement, and any necessary interventions have been carried out.