The nurse working on a medical unit is assigned to care for four clients. Which client shot A A client who had a stroke and now has right-sided weakness. B A client who is quadriplegic and is complaining of a severe headache. C An elderly client who is requesting medication for constipation. D A client who has a pressure ulcer and now has a temperature of 102.3^circ F

In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize care based on the urgency and potential severity of each client's condition. <br /><br />- **A client who had a stroke and now has right-sided weakness**: This client requires monitoring and rehabilitation support but is not currently presenting an acute change in condition.<br /><br />- **A client who is quadriplegic and is complaining of a severe headache**: This could indicate autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as stroke or seizures.<br /><br />- **An elderly client who is requesting medication for constipation**: While uncomfortable, constipation is generally not an emergency situation.<br /><br />- **A client who has a pressure ulcer and now has a temperature of 102.3°F**: The fever suggests a possible infection, which needs prompt assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.<br /><br />Given these considerations, the nurse should first attend to **B: A client who is quadriplegic and is complaining of a severe headache**, due to the risk of autonomic dysreflexia, which can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately.