The licensed practical nurse is assessing several clients assigned to his care. Which client should receive priority of care? A. A 65-year-old client with emphysema with an oxygen saturation level of \(82 \%\) B. A 45-year-old motor vehicle accident client with chest tubes and a \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) level of \(48 \mathrm{mE} / \mathrm{L}\) C. An 80-year-old diabetic with a blood glucose level of \(430 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\) D. A 50-year-old client with cirrhosis of the liver and a blood urea nitrogen level of \(35 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\)

To determine which client needs priority, we need to understand the severity of each condition and the given vital signs: oxygen saturation level, CO2 level, blood glucose level, and blood urea nitrogen level.

A. A 65-year-old client with emphysema with an oxygen saturation level of \(82 \%\): Emphysema is a serious lung condition that causes shortness of breath and reduced oxygen levels. A normal oxygen saturation level is \(95 \%\) to \(100 \%\). An oxygen saturation level of \(82 \%\) indicates that the client is not getting enough oxygen, which could be life-threatening. B. A 45-year-old motor vehicle accident client with chest tubes and a \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) level of \(48 \mathrm{mE} / \mathrm{L}\): The normal CO2 level should be around \(35 \mathrm{mE} / \mathrm{L}\) to \(45 \mathrm{mE} / \mathrm{L}\). This client's CO2 level is slightly elevated, but it may not be life-threatening. The presence of chest tubes indicates that the client has already received some level of emergency care. C. An 80-year-old diabetic with a blood glucose level of \(430 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\): A normal blood glucose level is around \(70 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\) to \(130 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\). A level of \(430 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\) is significantly elevated, but it may not be life-threatening in the short term if the patient receives treatment. D. A 50-year-old client with cirrhosis of the liver and a blood urea nitrogen level of \(35 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\): The normal range for blood urea nitrogen is approximately \(7 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\) to \(20 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\). A level of \(35 \mathrm{mg} / \mathrm{dl}\) is elevated but may not be life-threatening in the short term.

After analyzing each choice, it's clear that the 65-year-old client with emphysema and an oxygen saturation level of \(82 \%\) is the most critical and requires immediate attention. Breathing issues and low oxygen saturation can be life-threatening, and the other clients' conditions, while serious, may not require immediate, life-saving interventions. Therefore, the correct answer is: A. A 65-year-old client with emphysema with an oxygen saturation level of \(82 \%\)