What is the priority assessment step for a nurse in a mass casualty situation?

In a mass casualty situation, the priority assessment step for a nurse is to quickly identify and categorize clients’ injuries. This process, often referred to as triage, is essential for determining the order in which patients should receive care based on the severity of their conditions. The ability to assess and categorize injuries swiftly allows healthcare professionals to allocate limited resources effectively and ensure that those with the most critical needs receive treatment first.

In mass casualty events, where the number of injured individuals can overwhelm available medical resources, effective triage is crucial. It not only supports efficient use of medical personnel and supplies but also maximizes the chances of survival for the greatest number of patients.

Other approaches, such as treating clients with the highest level of pain or providing comfort measures, are important but come after the initial categorization of injuries. Transporting clients to the nearest hospital, while essential for care, would need to wait until triage determines which individuals are the most critical and in need of that transport first.