A nurse is assigned to the following clients. Identify the client the nurse should see first.

Choice A reason: A toddler with both arms in casts who needs assistance with feeding requires support for nutrition and comfort. However, this is not immediately life-threatening and can be addressed after urgent respiratory needs are stabilized.

Choice B reason: An infant with pertussis receiving oxygen via nasal cannula is the priority because infants are at high risk for airway obstruction, hypoxia, and respiratory distress. Pertussis can cause severe coughing fits leading to apnea, cyanosis, or decreased oxygen saturation. Ensuring airway patency and adequate oxygenation is critical, making this client the first to assess.

Choice C reason: A school-age child with diabetes mellitus requiring blood glucose monitoring is important for metabolic stability. However, blood glucose checks can be scheduled and do not represent an immediate life-threatening emergency compared to respiratory compromise in an infant.

Choice D reason: An adolescent in sickle cell crisis who is ready for discharge instructions is stable enough to be considered for discharge. This indicates that acute pain and crisis management have already been addressed, so this client does not require immediate assessment.

Choice A reason: Collaboration and open communication are the foundation of effective interprofessional teamwork. When health care providers share information transparently, coordinate interventions, and respect each other’s expertise, patient care becomes safer and more efficient. Open communication reduces errors, ensures continuity of care, and promotes shared decision-making. Collaboration also fosters mutual accountability, which directly improves client outcomes by aligning all team members toward the same patient-centered goals.

Choice B reason: Independent treatment undermines interprofessional collaboration. When providers act in isolation without consulting the team, important information may be overlooked, leading to fragmented care. This increases the risk of duplicating interventions, missing critical changes in patient status, and failing to address complex needs holistically. Independent treatment is therefore a barrier to improved outcomes.

Choice C reason: Timely client discharge is important for hospital efficiency and patient flow, but it is not the primary factor in improving outcomes. Discharging a client quickly without ensuring stability and adequate follow-up care can compromise safety. While discharge planning is part of quality care, it must be coordinated with the team and based on readiness, not speed.

Choice D reason: Frequent changes in team members disrupt continuity of care and weaken collaboration. Constant turnover prevents team members from building trust and understanding each other’s roles. It also increases the likelihood of miscommunication and errors, as new members may not be fully aware of the client’s history or care plan. Stability in the team supports better outcomes, while frequent changes hinder them.