Which client requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

The client with acute kidney injury (AKI) who is somnolent and unresponsive to verbal commands requires immediate intervention by the nurse due to several critical factors.

Firstly, somnolence and unresponsiveness are indicators of an altered level of consciousness, which can signify severe underlying issues. In the context of acute kidney injury, these symptoms may be related to the accumulation of toxins in the body, as the kidneys are no longer effectively filtering waste products. This situation poses an immediate risk to the client’s safety and overall well-being, as it may progress to more severe complications, including metabolic imbalances, cardiac issues, or even coma.

The urgency of assessing and addressing the client’s condition cannot be overstated. The nurse must quickly evaluate vital signs, perform a neurological assessment, and possibly initiate interventions such as fluid management, medication adjustments, or even dialysis, depending on the severity of the AKI and the client’s overall condition.

In contrast, clients with a minor skin rash, chronic back pain, or controlled hypertension do not present with imminent life-threatening conditions that require immediate action. While these issues should still be monitored and managed appropriately, they do not pose the same level of urgency as the situation presented by the client with AKI exhibiting altered