Sharon Gibson is a nursing student who is having a clinical rotation on the medical-surgical unit. She has two patients assigned to her.

Mr. Duncan is 80 years old and was admitted last night with sepsis. He is confused and has no family or friends with him. The nursing assistant has taken his vital signs and tells Sharon that his blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, temperature is 102\deg F, pulse is 50 beats/min, and respirations are 28 breaths/min.

Mrs. Thomas is 60 years old and is to be discharged today. She was admitted 4 days ago with pneumonia. She has diabetes and is not compliant with her diet. She is to have a chest x-ray examination done before discharge. Her son, who is in her room, has taken off work for the morning so he can take her home.

Which patient should Sharon determine as the priority and go to first? Why is the patient a priority?