When assigned to multiple patients, who should the nurse prioritize based on an acute change in condition?

The correct choice is the patient showing atypical signs of a myocardial infarction. This option represents a critical scenario where the patient's condition may rapidly deteriorate. Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, can lead to severe complications such as cardiac arrest or significant damage to the heart muscle.

When assessing patients, the nurse must prioritize those who exhibit signs of acute deterioration or life-threatening conditions. Atypical signs, which may include vague symptoms like fatigue, indigestion, or upper back pain, can often be easily overlooked, making it essential for the nurse to address this situation urgently. The need for immediate assessment and potential intervention is critical in this case to prevent further complications.

In contrast, requests for a snack, managing pain from a wound, and waiting for physical therapy, while important to the patient's overall care, do not present an immediate risk to life and can be addressed after ensuring the stability of a patient in potential cardiac distress. Prioritizing the patient with the myocardial infarction symptoms aligns with the fundamental nursing principle of addressing life-threatening conditions first.