Which client should the nurse prioritize for assessment based on their presenting symptoms?

Prioritizing a client for assessment is crucial in nursing practice, particularly when it comes to identifying potential complications. In this scenario, the client with a recent cast application who is complaining of their arm feeling "asleep" raises significant concern. This symptom could suggest potential issues such as compromised circulation or nerve compression, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly.

The feeling of the arm being "asleep" may indicate reduced blood flow or nerve signaling, potentially resulting in the loss of function or tissue damage if left unassessed. The urgency stems from the need to ensure that the circulation to the limb is intact and that the cast is not too tight, which could lead to compartment syndrome—a serious condition that requires immediate intervention.

While the other options present symptoms that may also warrant attention, they do not pose the same immediate risks. The client with a respiratory rate of 24 and oxygen saturation of 94% may indicate mild respiratory distress but does not necessarily require priority assessment over potential extremity compromise. The client with diabetes having a blood glucose level of 134 mg/dL is within an acceptable range and does not indicate an acute issue. The post-operative client experiencing nausea is a common occurrence and typically does not suggest an emergency condition unless coupled