Who should a nurse prioritize to assess first during a change-of-shift report?

In prioritizing assessments during a change-of-shift report, the focus should be on the client who presents the highest risk or immediate need for intervention. Choosing a client who is newly admitted after an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has fired twice is critical due to the potential life-threatening implications of their condition. This individual's heart rhythm has already shown serious issues, as the ICD firing indicates an attempt to correct potentially dangerous arrhythmias. Therefore, their stability and response to the ICD would be of utmost concern, warranting immediate assessment to determine their current cardiac status and the necessity for further medical intervention.

In contrast, while the other clients may have their own health concerns, they do not present the same level of immediate risk. For example, a client with a history of hypertension requires monitoring but does not necessarily need urgent intervention. Similarly, a client reporting mild dizziness may need assessment, but it is less critical than evaluating the newly admitted client with a recent serious cardiac event. Lastly, assessing a client recovering from a surgical procedure is also important, but their condition is likely more stable compared to the urgent need presented by the client with the ICD firing. Therefore, prioritizing the assessment of the client with the ICD who experienced firing events ensures