In a triage situation after a large industrial accident, which client should the nurse attend to first?

In a triage situation, the priority is to assess and manage clients based on the severity of their conditions and the potential for survival. The correct answer emphasizes the need to address life-threatening injuries first.

A client with a severe head injury is at high risk for complications, including increased intracranial pressure, loss of consciousness, or even death. This condition typically requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further deterioration. Given that severe head injuries can compromise neurological function and can lead to rapid clinical decline, they take precedence over non-life-threatening conditions.

In contrast, the other conditions presented, such as a minor laceration or a broken arm, while they require care, are not immediately life-threatening. The client experiencing chest pain may have a serious cardiac problem; however, the severe head injury presents a more urgent need for intervention to protect brain function and overall survival. Thus, prioritizing the client with the severe head injury aligns with the triage principles of addressing the most critical needs first in an emergency scenario.