What should be the nurse's priority assessment when a client who overdosed on barbiturates is transferred to the inpatient psychiatric unit?

In the context of a client who has overdosed on barbiturates, the priority assessment for the nurse should focus on safety. Barbiturate overdose can lead to profound central nervous system depression, which increases the risk of respiratory failure, coma, and death. Ensuring the client’s safety involves monitoring their level of consciousness, vital signs, and oxygenation, as well as taking precautions to prevent falls or self-harm, especially if the individual is disoriented or has altered mental status.

Safety takes precedence over other areas such as nutrition, sleep, or hygiene because the immediate risk to life is the most critical concern in the aftermath of an overdose. Once safety is established and the client is stable, the nurse can then address other aspects of care, but it is essential to first mitigate potential life-threatening complications associated with substance overdose.