A nurse is performing triage following a natural disaster. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as the highest priority to receive care?

Choice A reason: A client with agonal respirations is near death and unlikely to survive even with intervention. In disaster triage, resources are directed toward those with the greatest chance of survival. This option is incorrect because it represents an expectant category. Choice B reason: A client with an open skull fracture who is unresponsive has a poor prognosis and is unlikely to benefit from immediate intervention. In mass casualty triage, this client would also be categorized as expectant. Therefore, this option is incorrect. Choice C reason: A client with a traumatic arm amputation is at high risk for hemorrhage but has a good chance of survival with prompt intervention such as bleeding control and fluid resuscitation. This makes the client the highest priority in disaster triage. This option is correct. Choice D reason: A client with a femur fracture requires care but is not immediately life-threatening if bleeding is controlled. This client would be categorized as delayed priority. Therefore, this option is incorrect.