# During a mass casualty incident, which client should be assigned a delayed priority rather than immediate care?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394136&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Establishing Priorities  
> category: MOC

## Question

During a mass casualty incident, which client should be assigned a delayed priority rather than immediate care?

## Option

1. A client with uncontrolled arterial bleeding
2. A client with airway obstruction and cyanosis
3. A client with a closed forearm fracture and stable vital signs **✔ Correct answer**
4. A client with severe respiratory distress after smoke inhalation

**Correct answer: 3**

## Explanation

In disaster triage, clients with stable vital signs and non-life-threatening injuries can usually wait for delayed care. Airway obstruction, uncontrolled arterial bleeding, and severe respiratory distress require immediate intervention. The goal is to do the greatest good for the greatest number.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Mass casualty triage prioritizes survivable life threats first.

Memory Tip
Stable fracture can wait.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
Disaster triage sorts clients by urgency, survival likelihood, and resource availability.

Caution
Disaster triage differs from routine first-come care.

## Key concepts

- **Mass Casualty Incident** — An event with more injured people than available resources can immediately manage.
- **Delayed Priority** — A triage category for serious but not immediately life-threatening conditions.
- **Immediate Priority** — A triage category for life-threatening but potentially survivable conditions.

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