For a client with a severe headache rated 7 out of 10 and accompanying nausea, what is the priority for treatment?

For a client experiencing a severe headache accompanied by nausea, pain management is the priority for treatment. In acute scenarios like this, the immediate goal is to relieve the patient's discomfort and reduce the intensity of the headache, as severe pain can significantly impair a person's overall health and well-being.

Managing pain effectively can also aid in assessing the client's condition further. Reducing pain may decrease the stress response in the body, potentially leading to lower levels of nausea and improving the patient's overall state, allowing for better communication and evaluation.

While other interventions such as imaging studies or hydration might be necessary later, they do not address the immediate distress caused by pain. A CT scan can help rule out serious intracranial conditions but typically follows initial pain management efforts. Likewise, although hydration is important, it is not the priority when faced with high levels of pain that need to be addressed first. If hospital admission is necessary after initial management, it can always be considered following adequate pain control.