Which client should a nurse assess first after receiving a change-of-shift report?

The situation requiring immediate assessment involves a client with a hip fracture who has developed a new onset of tachypnea. Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, can be indicative of a variety of serious conditions, such as respiratory distress, pulmonary embolism, or other complications. Given that this client has a recent hip fracture, the risk of complications, including blood clots that could lead to pulmonary issues, is heightened. Therefore, the presence of tachypnea in this context is a significant concern that necessitates prompt evaluation to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate interventions.

In contrast, the other clients may not present as urgent. The client who just had surgery with stable vital signs is in a more predictable recovery state, indicating that their immediate needs are likely being managed. The client with a chronic condition may have ongoing issues requiring monitoring but typically does not present the same level of acute risk. Lastly, the client with mild pain after medication administration may need reassessment for pain management, but this is not as critical as addressing potential respiratory issues. Thus, assessing the client with tachypnea first aligns with prioritizing care based on the severity and immediacy of the client's condition.