Which client should a nurse prioritize in the emergency department?

In an emergency department setting, prioritizing clients is crucial based on the immediacy and severity of their conditions. A client who has been sexually assaulted within the last hour presents a situation that requires urgent attention for several critical reasons.

Firstly, the trauma from a recent sexual assault can lead to both immediate physical and psychological needs. The client may require medical intervention for potential injuries, prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and emergency contraception. Additionally, this client is at high risk for acute psychological distress, including shock, acute stress disorder, or other trauma-related symptoms. Timely intervention can also help in the provision of psychological support and facilitate access to mental health resources.

When compared to the other conditions presented, a panic attack, while distressing, typically does not pose the same level of immediate risk to the client’s physical health. Similarly, worsening depressive symptoms might indicate a need for intervention, but they usually do not require the urgent, critical care that an immediate trauma situation does. A client with a cold who is non-compliant signifies a less urgent health concern and would be lower on the priority list for emergency care.

In summary, prioritizing care for the client who experienced a sexual assault within the last hour is essential due to the acute need