The nurse working in a critical care unit (CCU) is assigned the care of two clients, one with pneumonia who is being mechanically ventilated, and the other who had a thoracotomy yesterday and is reporting incisional pain. Which action(s) should the nurse perform first?

Assess the level of consciousness and vital signs for both clients.

Review the plan of care and the medications that are due for both clients.

Complete a head-to-toe assessment of the client with pneumonia.

Change the surgical dressing to observe the appearance of the incision.