The following clients come to the emergency department for treatment after a building explosion and collapse. Which client should receive priority care?

Rationale: A. Although this client has extensive injuries, her prognosis is extremely poor. According to triage principles in mass-casualty situations, clients with unsurvivable injuries are classified as expectant. They receive comfort care, but immediate life-saving interventions are unlikely to succeed. B. Fixed and dilated pupils indicate severe brain injury with a poor prognosis. Like the client with massive burns, this client is considered expectant in a mass-casualty triage scenario. Immediate intervention is unlikely to improve survival. C. This client has a life-threatening but potentially survivable injury. Rapid control of hemorrhage can save the client’s life. According to triage principles, clients with airway compromise, severe bleeding, or shock who are likely to survive with prompt treatment are prioritized for immediate care. D. This client’s injury is minor and does not pose an immediate threat to life. They can safely wait for care after more critical patients are stabilized.