The nurse employed in the emergency room is responsible for triage of four clients injured in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following clients should receive priority in care? A. A 10-year-old with lacerations of the face B. A 15-year-old with sternal bruises C. A 34-year-old with a fractured femur D. A 50 -year-old with dislocation of the elbow

In this step, we will identify the severity of injuries for each client and their potential complications. A. Lacerations of the face - moderate injury; may lead to significant blood loss, pain, and scarring. B. Sternal bruises - mild injury; may cause pain and temporary breathing difficulty, but generally not life-threatening. C. Fractured femur - severe injury; can lead to significant blood loss, shock, and long-term complications if not treated immediately. D. Dislocation of the elbow - moderate injury; may cause pain, swelling, and loss of function, but typically not life-threatening.

In this step, we will consider the age of each client and their overall level of vulnerability to injury complications. A. 10-year-old - young and generally resilient, but more vulnerable due to the developmental stage. B. 15-year-old - still developing but less vulnerable than a younger child. C. 34-year-old - young adult with average vulnerability to complications D. 50-year-old - older adult with potentially increased vulnerability due to age

Now that we have evaluated the severity of each injury and the vulnerability of each client, we can prioritize care accordingly. 1. The 34-year-old with a fractured femur should receive priority care due to the severity of this injury and the high risk of blood loss and shock if not treated immediately. 2. The 10-year-old with lacerations of the face should receive care next due to their level of vulnerability and the need to minimize blood loss and pain. 3. The 50-year-old with dislocation of the elbow should be attended to next, as this injury is moderately severe and they may have increased vulnerability due to their age. 4. The 15-year-old with sternal bruises should receive care last, as their injury is the least severe and they are less vulnerable than the younger child. In conclusion, the client who should receive priority in care is the 34-year-old with a fractured femur (Option C).