In triaging pregnant clients, which client should the nurse alert the provider to see first?

The third-trimester client experiencing right upper quadrant pain is the one the nurse should prioritize for assessment by the provider. This symptom can be indicative of several serious conditions, such as liver disease, preeclampsia, or placental abruption, which can pose significant risks to both the mother and fetus. Right upper quadrant pain in pregnancy warrants immediate evaluation because it may suggest complications that require urgent intervention.

In contrast, while nausea and vomiting in a first-trimester client can be concerning, it is often a common occurrence and usually does not warrant immediate intervention unless it is severe or accompanied by other alarming symptoms. The second-trimester client with dysuria and urinary frequency should also be assessed, but urinary tract infections are treatable and typically do not pose an immediate threat to the pregnancy if addressed in a timely manner. The decrease in fetal movement reported by the second-trimester client is also concerning; however, in the third trimester, diminished fetal movement carries a higher risk for complications that may need immediate medical attention.

Thus, the urgency of the right upper quadrant pain in the context of the third trimester underscores the need for immediate evaluation, making this client the highest priority for the nurse to alert the provider about.