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: This is not the correct choice because an increase in serosanguineous exudate (a mixture of blood and clear fluid) from a client's wound indicates infection, inflammation, or trauma to the wound. This is a sign of wound deterioration, not healing.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because a deep red color on the center of a client's wound indicates granulation tissue, which is new tissue that forms during the healing process. Granulation tissue fills the wound bed and provides a foundation for epithelialization (the growth of new skin over the wound).

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because erythema (redness) on the skin surrounding a client's wound indicates irritation, inflammation, or infection of the skin. This is a sign of wound complication, not healing.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because inflammation on the tissue edges of a client's wound indicates infection, trauma, or necrosis (death) of the tissue. This is a sign of wound impairment, not healing.

Choice A reason: This is not an appropriate action by the staff nurse. The incident report should not be sent to the ethics committee, as it is not a part of the client's record and does not involve ethical issues. The incident report should be sent to the risk management department, which is responsible for identifying and preventing potential hazards and liabilities in the health care setting.

Choice B reason: This is not an appropriate action by the staff nurse. The names of witnesses to the fall should not be listed in the nurses' notes, as they are not relevant to the client's care and may violate confidentiality. The names of witnesses should be included in the incident report, which is a confidential document that is not part of the client's record.

Choice C reason: This is an appropriate action by the staff nurse. The client's account of the fall should be included in the incident report, as it provides valuable information about the circumstances and causes of the fall. The incident report should also include the date, time, location, and description of the fall, the staff members involved, the interventions taken, and the client's condition and response.

Choice D reason: This is not an appropriate action by the staff nurse. The fact that an incident report was filed should not be documented in the client's record, as it may imply negligence or fault and may be used as evidence in a legal case. The incident report is a separate document that is used for quality improvement and risk management purposes.