Which client should the nurse prioritize for care based on vital signs?

Prioritizing care based on vital signs is crucial in nursing practice, and in this scenario, the client receiving digoxin with a heart rate of 48 beats per minute deserves immediate attention. This heart rate indicates bradycardia, which can be a potential side effect of digoxin, especially if the drug has caused the heart rate to fall below normal levels.

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute, especially in a client taking digoxin, poses significant risks, including decreased cardiac output and possible deterioration into more severe bradyarrhythmias. Oversight in addressing bradycardia in a client on digoxin could lead to serious complications, making it imperative for the nurse to assess this client right away to determine the cause and intervene appropriately.

The other options depict clients whose situations do not warrant urgent attention based on their vital signs. Therefore, the client on digoxin with a markedly low heart rate is the priority for care.