The following clients are waiting to be seen in the emergency department. Which client should the nurse assess first?

A: A cocaine abuser with chest pain should be assessed first because chest pain can indicate a life-threatening condition such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Cocaine use increases the risk of cardiovascular events, making this client a priority. B: An intoxicated client with a long history of alcoholism needs medical attention, but their condition is likely less immediately life-threatening compared to chest pain from cocaine use. C: A client who recently experienced a “bad trip” from LSD may be experiencing psychological distress, but this is generally not as immediately life-threatening as chest pain. D: A young man who thinks they have been given flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) needs to be assessed for potential drug-facilitated assault, but this situation is less immediately critical than chest pain from cocaine use.