Four clients on a busy medical-surgical unit are requesting medication. Which client should receive medication first? A. A 34-year-old client with a fractured femur who requests pain medication B. A 48-year-old client with cirrhosis who requests medication for nausea C. A 55-year-old client with peptic ulcer disease who requests an antacid D. A 36-year-old with ulcerative colitis who requests medication for diarrhea

First, let's understand each of the medical conditions presented and the medications requested by the clients: A. Fractured femur - This refers to a broken leg bone, and the client is requesting pain medication. B. Cirrhosis - This is a chronic liver disease, and the client is asking for medication for nausea. C. Peptic ulcer disease - This condition involves open sores in the stomach, and the client wants an antacid. D. Ulcerative colitis - This is an inflammatory bowel disease, and the client is requesting medication for diarrhea.

Now, we need to assess the severity and urgency of the clients' conditions and their requests for medication: A. Pain management is essential, but the client is not in immediate danger. B. Nausea can be uncomfortable, but if not severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it may not be urgent. C. Peptic ulcer disease may cause discomfort, and pain can be harmful if left untreated, but it may not be the most urgent situation. D. Diarrhea caused by ulcerative colitis can lead to dehydration if not treated promptly, making it a potentially urgent situation.

Based on our assessment of severity and urgency, we can prioritize the clients in the following order: 1. Client D - The 36-year-old with ulcerative colitis (dehydration can be severe and lead to complications if not treated promptly) 2. Client A - The 34-year-old with a fractured femur (pain is important to manage but not as urgent as dehydration) 3. Client C - The 55-year-old with peptic ulcer disease (discomfort should be addressed, but other cases may be more urgent) 4. Client B - The 48-year-old with cirrhosis (nausea is uncomfortable but may not be as severe as other conditions) Therefore, the answer is: D. A 36-year-old with ulcerative colitis who requests medication for diarrhea should receive medication first.