Which patient assessment should the nurse prioritize upon receiving a change-of-shift report?

The assessment of the patient with septicemia exhibiting intercostal and suprasternal retractions should be prioritized because these findings indicate a significant respiratory distress and potential compromise in airway stability. Intercostal and suprasternal retractions suggest that the patient is working hard to breathe and may be experiencing a decrease in lung compliance or obstructive pathology, which warrants immediate attention.

In septicemia, the body's response to infection can lead to acute respiratory distress and challenges in gas exchange. These retractions indicate that the patient may be in a critical state and could potentially develop respiratory failure if not assessed and managed quickly. A thorough respiratory assessment, including the evaluation of lung sounds, oxygen saturation levels, and work of breathing, will be crucial in determining the immediate needs of this patient.

In contrast, while the other patients present with concerning symptoms, such as pneumonia and crackles or issues related to cystic fibrosis and sputum, these conditions generally do not pose the same immediate threat to airway stability as noted with the retractions in the septicemia patient. The emphasis in this scenario should always pivot toward those signs reflecting acute distress that could evolve into more severe respiratory compromise.