A school nurse is helping emergency medical services (EMS) triage students after a bus accident occurred in the school parking lot. A 10-year-old client is awake, alert, and ambulatory but reports a headache and neck pain. Using START triage, what acuity level would be assigned to this client?

Choice A reason: Obtaining a routine urine sample from a newly-admitted client is an important task for the nurse to delegate to assistive personnel (AP). While this is essential for assessing the client's baseline health status and planning further care, it is not as urgent as taking an arterial blood gas specimen to the laboratory, which is time-sensitive.

Choice B reason: Passing fresh water to clients on the unit is an essential routine task to ensure clients stay hydrated. However, this task does not have the same level of urgency compared to taking an arterial blood gas specimen to the laboratory. This can be done after more critical tasks are completed.

Choice C reason: Transporting a client to the radiology department for an x-ray is a necessary step in diagnostic imaging, but it does not carry the same level of urgency as taking an arterial blood gas specimen to the laboratory. Arterial blood gas results are critical for evaluating and managing a client's respiratory and metabolic status.

Choice D reason: Taking an arterial blood gas (ABG) specimen to the laboratory is a top priority because the results are time-sensitive and crucial for the immediate assessment and management of a client's respiratory and metabolic function. Delaying this task could impact the timely diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions, making it the most urgent task to delegate first.

Choice A reason: Arranging for the client to remain on bedrest may not address the underlying reasons for the client's upset and agitation. While physical rest can be beneficial, it is more important to address the client's emotional and psychological needs through communication and support.

Choice B reason: Telling the client to remain calm can be perceived as dismissive and may not effectively alleviate their distress. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide a supportive environment for them to express themselves.

Choice C reason: Encouraging the client to share their feelings is the best action to assist the client. By providing a supportive and empathetic environment, the nurse can help the client express their emotions, identify the cause of their distress, and work together to find appropriate solutions. This approach promotes therapeutic communication and can lead to a more accurate assessment and effective care plan.

Choice D reason: Giving the client time to rest and returning later for the assessment may delay addressing the client's immediate emotional needs. It is important for the nurse to engage with the client promptly to understand their concerns and provide support.