When assessing a client with a suspected ectopic pregnancy, which vital sign should be checked first?

In the context of a suspected ectopic pregnancy, it is crucial to assess the client's pulse as the first vital sign. The rationale behind prioritizing pulse assessment lies in the potential for significant blood loss due to internal bleeding, which is a serious complication of ectopic pregnancies. Monitoring the pulse can provide immediate insight into the patient's hemodynamic status; a rapid or weak pulse may indicate hypovolemia or shock resulting from the blood loss.

While other vital signs such as blood pressure and respiratory rate are also important, they may not respond as quickly to changes in a patient's condition as the pulse does. Blood pressure can be affected by many factors and may not decrease until significant blood loss has occurred, potentially masking the urgency of the situation. Similarly, although respiratory rate can provide information on respiratory distress, it is less direct in assessing circulation and perfusion status when compared to pulse rate. Temperature, while important in detecting infection, is less immediate in the context of assessing hemodynamic stability in a suspected ectopic pregnancy.

Thus, beginning with the pulse offers critical information that can guide further assessment and intervention.