The patient with epiglottitis is at risk for an unstable airway. An increased respiratory rate in this patient must be assessed immediately to ensure a patent airway. The patient with a UTI who is hypotensive would be assessed next. The patient with influenza is expected to be febrile but should be assessed for hydration status. The patient with tachycardia following a knee replacement is likely in pain; this is not an airway emergency and can wait until after the patient with epiglottitis is assessed.