What is the priority nursing action for a client presenting with abdominal pain and upper GI bleeding?

In a situation where a client presents with abdominal pain and upper GI bleeding, obtaining vital signs is crucial because it provides immediate insights into the client's hemodynamic status and overall condition. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, can indicate whether the client is experiencing shock or significant blood loss, which are critical assessments in this scenario. If vital signs show abnormalities—such as hypotension or tachycardia—this can signal a need for urgent intervention.

Assessing abdominal tenderness, while important, follows the initial evaluation of the client's stability through vital signs. Documenting findings is essential for continuity of care but is not a priority action in an acute situation. Placing an order for a nasogastric tube can be necessary for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, but again, ensuring the client is stable and addressing any immediate life-threatening concerns comes first. Therefore, obtaining vital signs stands out as the priority nursing action in this context.