A nurse is performing mass casualty triage of clients following a tornado. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as a priority for transportation to the acute care facility?

Rationale: A. This option is incorrect because a comatose client with severe head trauma may have a poor prognosis and is considered expectant in a mass casualty scenario. Resources are typically allocated to clients with a higher likelihood of survival. B. This option is incorrect because a compound fracture of the forearm is serious but not immediately life-threatening. This client can safely wait for treatment without the risk of rapid deterioration. C. This option is correct because a client with a severed lower extremity is at high risk for hemorrhagic shock and requires immediate intervention to control bleeding and stabilize the patient. In mass casualty triage, clients with life-threatening but potentially survivable injuries are prioritized for transport to acute care facilities. D. This option is incorrect because multiple abrasions are minor injuries that are not life-threatening. These clients are considered "green tag" or walking wounded and are the lowest priority for immediate transport.