A nurse working at an assisted living facility is helping emergency medical services (EMS) triage clients after a fire in the building. The 83-year-old client suffered smoke inhalation. The client is coughing with a respiratory rate of 36 and reports shortness of breath. Using the START triage, what acuity level should be assigned to this client?

Choice A reason: The red category in the START triage system is assigned to clients who require immediate life-saving intervention. Although this client is in pain and has severe symptoms, their respiratory rate, pulse, and capillary refill are normal, indicating that they do not need immediate life-saving intervention.

Choice B reason: The yellow category is designated for clients whose condition is stable but requires observation. This client is awake, alert, and oriented, with a normal respiratory rate, good radial pulse, and normal capillary refill. While they have severe abdominal pain and nausea, their condition does not appear to be life-threatening, making yellow the appropriate triage level.

Choice C reason: The black category is used for clients who are deceased or have injuries so severe that they are not expected to survive even with immediate medical intervention. This client is stable and responsive, so they do not fall into this category.

Choice D reason: The green category is for clients with minor injuries who can walk and do not require urgent medical attention. Since this client has severe symptoms and needs medical attention, the green category is not appropriate.

Choice A reason: A client who had open reduction and internal fixation of a femur fracture 3 days ago is likely to need ongoing monitoring and care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Discharging this client could risk worsening their condition or causing new issues to arise.

Choice B reason: A client admitted last night with community-acquired pneumonia is still in the early stages of treatment and may require close observation and medication adjustments to effectively manage their condition and prevent deterioration.

Choice C reason: An older adult client in the observation unit for evaluation of chest pain may still be at risk for serious conditions such as a heart attack. Releasing this client without a definitive diagnosis or proper management plan could endanger their health.

Choice D reason: A client on the medical unit for wound care for a stage 2 wound to the lower extremity is generally considered stable and appropriate for discharge, provided they have the necessary support and resources to continue wound care at home. This client does not require intensive monitoring or treatment that would necessitate hospital admission.