Which client should a nurse assess first when planning care for multiple clients?

When prioritizing clients for assessment, it is essential to consider the severity of their condition and the potential implications for their health. In this scenario, choosing the client who is 2 days postoperative with a urinary output of 500 mL over the past 24 hours is paramount because low urinary output in a postoperative patient may indicate acute kidney injury or other complications.

In the context of postoperative care, normal urinary output is generally considered to be around 30 mL/hour, which translates to approximately 720 mL over a 24-hour period. A urinary output of only 500 mL over the same period could raise concerns regarding hydration status, kidney function, or possible complications such as urinary retention or obstructive uropathy. Therefore, this situation requires immediate assessment to address any potential issues swiftly and to ensure the client’s safety.

In contrast, while the other clients present valid concerns, they do not indicate as critical a situation as the postoperative patient with significantly low urinary output. The client reporting a headache may require assessment but is not likely facing an urgent medical need. The client scheduled for discharge later in the day is likely stable, and the client requesting pain medication may be uncomfortable but does not present an immediate risk to their health compared to the