In a mass casualty event, which client should the nurse recommend for transport first?

In a mass casualty event, prioritization of care is crucial, and patients are often triaged based on the severity of their injuries and the immediacy of their medical needs. The correct answer focuses on the client with an abdominal wound that is actively bleeding. This client requires immediate attention because active bleeding poses a significant risk of hemorrhagic shock, which can rapidly become life-threatening.

In situations involving trauma, managing hemorrhage is always a priority. Blood loss can lead to insufficient oxygen supply to vital organs, and if not addressed swiftly, it can result in death. Therefore, the patient's need for rapid intervention and stabilization makes them the top priority for transport.

Those with less critical conditions—such as a mild head injury, a wrist fracture, or shortness of breath—can wait for treatment or transport. While these conditions should not be ignored, they do not pose an immediate threat to life in the same way that severe bleeding does. Thus, the recommendation to transport the client with an abdominal wound that is actively bleeding is based on the urgent need for intervention to prevent further deterioration of their condition.