After an apartment fire, which client should be treated first?

In the context of emergency triage, prioritizing which patient to treat first is crucial, especially in situations where multiple patients are involved. The correct priority in this scenario is given to the man with rapid respirations and a cough.

Individuals with respiratory distress, indicated by rapid respirations and coughing, are at immediate risk due to potential airway compromise or damage from smoke inhalation, common in fire scenarios. The urgency of addressing respiratory issues outweighs other injuries, as the lack of adequate oxygen can lead to severe complications or even death in a short time.

While the other patients present issues that require attention—such as the pregnant woman who needs monitoring for stress on the fetus, the child with a fracture who requires stabilization, and the young woman with first-degree burns, which are typically not life-threatening—the man with respiratory issues is in a more critical state. Respiration is fundamental for survival, and thus addressing his condition first is essential in a triage setting.