What should a nurse do first after receiving a shift report on several clients?

The most appropriate action for the nurse after receiving a shift report on several clients is to prioritize clients based on reported symptoms. This step is crucial because it allows the nurse to determine which clients may require immediate attention based on their health status and the urgency of their needs. By assessing symptoms, the nurse can effectively prioritize care, ensuring that those who are most critically ill or at highest risk are addressed first, which is fundamental in delivering safe and effective nursing care.

Prioritization helps in managing time and resources efficiently, particularly in a busy clinical environment where multiple patients may have varying levels of acuity. Understanding the severity of each client's condition enables the nurse to create a structured plan of care that addresses the most urgent needs first, setting the stage for comprehensive assessments and interventions thereafter.

In contrast, beginning assessments for all clients without prioritization may lead to delays in care for those who need it most or fragmenting focus, which can compromise patient safety. Administering medications without prioritization might expose the nurse and the clients to risks if adverse symptoms are present that necessitate further evaluation first. Documenting findings from the report is important for continuity of care but is not an immediate clinical action that promotes prioritization and patient safety.