During initial rounds, which client should be assessed first by the nurse?

Assessing clients during initial rounds requires prioritizing based on the urgency and severity of their conditions. In this scenario, the client with pneumonia should be assessed first due to the potential for respiratory compromise. Pneumonia can lead to serious complications such as acute respiratory distress, sepsis, or hypoxemia, making it vital to monitor the client's respiratory status and ensure adequate oxygenation.

In contrast, while the other clients present with significant health issues, they are generally not as immediately life-threatening as pneumonia. The client with a broken leg in traction, for instance, is likely stable and would primarily need pain management and monitoring for complications related to immobility. The client with chronic renal failure and the one with liver cirrhosis both require careful ongoing management to prevent complications, but they do not present the same immediate risk for severe deterioration as a client suffering from pneumonia. Therefore, the priority must be on assessing the client with pneumonia first to address any critical needs without delay.