Which activity should be completed first to ensure patient safety when prioritizing tasks for multiple patients?

• A. Review all daily lab results after the dressing change
• B. Give a shower
• C. Dressing change for a wound that must be redressed now
• D. Teach a patient about stoma care

Answer: (C)

When deciding what to do first, focus on the action that prevents immediate harm. A wound that must be redressed now poses a direct risk of infection, bleeding, or further tissue damage if left unattended. Addressing that dressing change right away protects the patient’s safety and supports healing, making it the highest priority.

After the urgent wound care is managed, other tasks can be handled in order of urgency. Reviewing daily lab results is important for overall care, but it can wait briefly until the immediate wound need is secured. Giving a shower is a routine hygiene activity that can be postponed until the wound is dressed and stable. Teaching a patient about stoma care is valuable education, but it doesn’t carry the same immediate risk as a wound that needs prompt redressing.