A nurse in the emergency department is assessing clients who have been triaged using the triage tag system following a hurricane disaster. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

Choice A reason: A client who has a raised red skin rash on his arms, neck, and face may have an allergic reaction or a skin infection, which are not life-threatening conditions. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of anaphylaxis or systemic infection, but this client is not the highest priority.

Choice B reason: A client who has active bleeding from a puncture wound of the left groin area is the highest priority because they are at risk of hemorrhage and shock. The nurse should apply direct pressure to the wound, elevate the affected leg, and monitor the client's vital signs and hemoglobin level.

Choice C reason: A client who reports shortness of breath and left neck and shoulder pain may have a cardiac or pulmonary problem, such as angina, myocardial infarction, or pulmonary embolism, which are serious conditions. The nurse should obtain an electrocardiogram, administer oxygen, and prepare for further diagnostic tests and interventions, but this client is not the highest priority.

Choice D reason: A client who reports right-sided flank pain and is diaphoretic may have a renal or urinary problem, such as kidney stones, pyelonephritis, or renal colic, which are painful but not life-threatening conditions. The nurse should administer analgesics, encourage fluid intake, and collect a urine sample, but this client is not the highest priority.

Choice A reason: Closing the fire doors and the doors to the clients' rooms is an action that the nurse should take after activating the fire alarm, as it helps to contain the fire and prevent smoke inhalation.

Choice B reason: Activating the fire alarm is the first action that the nurse should take after removing the client from the room, as it alerts the fire department and the rest of the staff and clients about the fire.

Choice C reason: Extinguishing the fire is an action that the nurse should take only if the fire is small and confined, and after activating the fire alarm and ensuring the safety of the client and self. The nurse should use the appropriate fire extinguisher and follow the PASS technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep).

Choice D reason: Removing all clients from the unit is an action that the nurse should take only if the fire is large and spreading, and after activating the fire alarm and ensuring the safety of the client and self. The nurse should follow the RACE protocol (rescue, alarm, confine, extinguish/evacuate) and the facility's emergency plan.