Which client should the nurse assess first in a prenatal clinic?

The client at 27 weeks gestation with headache and facial edema should be assessed first due to the potential signs of serious complications such as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs, most commonly the liver and kidneys, and it can occur after the 20th week of pregnancy. The presence of a headache, especially if it is new, severe, or persistent, combined with facial edema, raises concern for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy that can pose significant risks to both the mother and fetus.

In contrast, while the other clients may have complaints that require attention, they do not present immediate red flags associated with potentially severe complications. A backache at 11 weeks, an earache and sinus congestion at 16 weeks, and white vaginal discharge at 37 weeks may signify normal variations of pregnancy or common ailments, but they lack the urgency and potential risk factors indicated by the headache and facial edema in the second client. Therefore, prioritizing care for the client with alarming symptoms allows for timely intervention and monitoring for severe complications.