An LPN/VN and RN cover four rehabilitation clients for the next hour. Client A, 68, is recovering from hip replacement, is stable and reports pain 4/10; scheduled oral analgesia is due in 15 minutes. Client B, 71, has a stable incision after pelvic organ prolapse repair and requests her routine stool softener. Client C, 65, has well-controlled type 2 diabetes and is due for scheduled morning insulin. Client D, 70, is one day after vaginal hysterectomy and has new shortness of breath, restlessness and RR 28/min. Unit policy directs the LPN to initiate emergency supportive measures and report deterioration immediately; the RN coordinates changes in assignments and the overall care plan. Which action takes priority?
- Attend Client D, summon the RN immediately and initiate respiratory support under the emergency protocol.
- Give Client A the scheduled oral analgesic before evaluating Client D.
- Give Client B the stool softener first to prevent future straining.
- Independently reassign the unit acuity levels and overall care plans before notifying the RN.