Which client should the nurse prioritize at the scene of an accident involving a bus rollover?

In a triage situation, particularly in the context of an accident involving multiple casualties, it is essential to prioritize clients based on the severity of their conditions and the immediacy of their need for life-saving interventions. The most critical scenario presented involves the unconscious 14-year-old whose breathing is shallow at 12 respirations per minute.

This condition indicates significant compromise in respiratory function. An unconscious patient with shallow breathing is at high risk for inadequate oxygenation and can rapidly deteriorate, potentially resulting in respiratory arrest or other life-threatening complications. Immediate attention is necessary to ensure that the airway is maintained and that effective ventilation is restored. Interventions may include performing airway management and administering supplemental oxygen or advanced airway procedures depending on the situation.

While other injuries, such as those involving fractures or burns, are serious and require timely care, they do not present the immediate threat to life that shallow breathing does. The priority in emergency care is always to address conditions that could lead to rapid deterioration and death if not promptly managed. Thus, the situation of the unconscious 14-year-old warrants immediate prioritization to prevent further complications.