You take the vital signs for a patient who does not appear to be in any distress and denies complaints of pain or shortness of breath. His oxygen saturation is 87% on room air. You see in his previously charted vitals the saturation was 86%. You have two other patients that have requested your attention including one who has been waiting for a shower. What will you do next?

This patient would be considered a priority since this could be potentially life threatening. The oxygen saturation level needs to be addressed right now. This is an important part of being a medical professional deciding what patients are a priority over others. You would not just go give someone a shower and not do anything for the patient with a low oxygen saturation level.