In what order should a nurse prioritize care for clients affected by a disaster?

The prioritization of nursing care during a disaster scenario is primarily guided by the principle of triage, which focuses on treating those clients whose injuries are the most life-threatening first. In this case, the correct order is led by the 40-year-old client with hemorrhagic shock, which represents a critical condition that can quickly lead to death if not addressed immediately. Hemorrhagic shock indicates significant blood loss and a potential failure of the circulatory system, making it essential for this patient to receive care before others with less severe injuries.

Following that, the 50-year-old client with open fractures is prioritized. Open fractures can introduce a risk of infection and can also lead to significant blood loss. Proper management is urgent to prevent complications.

Next in line is the 70-year-old client with closed fractures. Although these injuries require attention, they are generally less urgent compared to those who are experiencing shock or have open fractures.

Finally, the 35-year-old client with sprains, while painful, is the least urgent in this scenario. Sprains, although they may require medical attention, do not pose an immediate threat to life or limb compared to the more severe conditions of the other clients.

This sequence emphasizes the treatment of the most critical conditions first