A charge nurse in the emergency department is assigning acuity levels to four clients. To which of the following clients should the nurse assign an acuity level of 17

A. While the client has a chronic condition and mildly decreased oxygen saturation, this is not immediately life-threatening. This client would require monitoring and treatment but is lower in acuity compared with acute neurological deficits. B. A low-grade fever and cough suggest a possible infection but are not life-threatening emergencies. This client would receive standard assessment and care but is lower in priority than clients with acute, time-sensitive conditions. C. Stroke-like symptoms require immediate intervention to preserve brain function and prevent permanent disability. The time-sensitive nature of stroke (the “golden hour” for thrombolytic therapy) makes this client highest priority, warranting an acuity level of 17, indicating critical, high-risk status in emergency department triage. D. A minor musculoskeletal injury is low acuity, not urgent or life-threatening, and can be managed after higher-acuity clients are stabilized.