Which client observation should be reported immediately to the nurse?

A radial pulse of 110 beats per minute warrants immediate reporting to the nurse because it indicates tachycardia, which could suggest an underlying health issue or a response to stress, dehydration, fever, or other medical conditions. In the context of geriatric care, where clients may have complex medical histories and multiple comorbidities, elevated heart rates could potentially lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly.

In contrast, a temperature of 98.6°F is within the normal range and does not signify any immediate concern. Similarly, a blood pressure of 120/80 is considered healthy for most adults, indicating normal cardiovascular status. Additionally, a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is within the acceptable range for adults, and while individual variability exists, it does not typically require urgent attention. Therefore, among the observations provided, the elevated radial pulse stands out as the critical factor that should be reported for further evaluation and intervention.