For a client admitted with a high risk for suicide, what is the nurse’s priority action?

The priority action for a client admitted with a high risk for suicide is to implement a one-on-one observation. This action is crucial because it directly addresses the immediate safety needs of the client. One-on-one observation helps ensure that the individual is monitored closely, which can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm or suicide attempts while assessments and treatment plans are being developed.

While assessing the client’s mental status is important and helps inform the overall care and intervention strategies, it does not act as an immediate preventive measure against the risk of suicide. Searching the client's personal belongings can be useful for identifying potentially harmful items but doesn't provide direct support or safety in the moment. Notifying the psychiatrist about the admission is necessary for ongoing care but does not immediately address the critical need for close observation and safety for a client in this vulnerable state. Therefore, ensuring the client has constant supervision takes precedence as it creates a safety net during the initial assessment and stabilization phase.