What is the appropriate action for a nurse when assessing a client with shock?

Monitoring vital signs closely is the correct action when assessing a client with shock because vital signs provide essential information about the client's physiological status. Shock can lead to significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, reflecting how well the body is perfusing tissues and organs. By closely observing these parameters, the nurse can determine the severity of the shock and make informed decisions regarding further interventions, such as administering fluids or preparing for other medical interventions. This proactive approach allows for timely identification of deterioration, enabling rapid response to stabilize the patient’s condition. Maintaining vigilance in monitoring vital signs is a critical component of care in emergency and acute situations involving shock.