In the case of a client with upper GI bleeding, what is the priority nursing action?

In the case of a client presenting with upper GI bleeding, the priority nursing action is to obtain vital signs. This is crucial for several reasons. First, vital signs provide immediate insights into the client’s hemodynamic stability. In cases of upper GI bleeding, the client may be at risk for hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. Monitoring vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, allows the nurse to assess the severity of the bleeding and to determine if the client is experiencing symptoms of shock, such as tachycardia or hypotension.

Gathering this information promptly helps guide subsequent interventions, such as fluid resuscitation or notifying the healthcare provider of a critical status. Once vital signs are assessed, the nurse can then prioritize other actions, such as evaluating the client’s history or completing a physical assessment, but immediate evaluation of vital signs is essential to ensure the client's safety in a potentially life-threatening situation.