<span>The nurse should see first the client with new-onset of
shortness of breath (SOB) and a history of pulmonary edema. The rationale
behind this is, in light of such a history, SOB could indicate that
fluid-volume overload has once again developed. The client with a fever and who
is diaphoretic is at risk for insufficient fluid volume as a result of loss of
fluid through the skin, but this client is not the priority. Remember the rule
of assessment of the ABCs — airway, breathing, and circulation — which means
that the client suffering from SOB should take superiority over the other
clients on the unit. This client’s condition could progress to respiratory
arrest if the client were not assessed instantly on the basis of the signs and
symptoms.</span>
