Which client should the nurse immediately immobilize after a mass casualty incident?

In a mass casualty incident, prioritizing interventions based on the severity of injuries is crucial for optimal outcomes. A client with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 8 indicates significant impairment of consciousness, suggesting possible severe brain injury. This level of consciousness is associated with a high risk for airway compromise and further neurologic deterioration if not managed properly.

Immediate immobilization is necessary to prevent any potential movement that could exacerbate spinal injuries or neurologic damage in such a client. This client would be categorized as having a compromised neurologic status, which necessitates urgent stabilization and intervention to maintain the airway and prevent any further injury.

In contrast, clients with a GCS of 15 or those who are awake and alert typically demonstrate a higher level of cognitive function and responsiveness, which allows for a more stable condition and may not require immediate immobilization. Similarly, clients with minor injuries would not necessitate the same level of immediate intervention as those with more severe conditions. Thus, the priority of care in the context of a mass casualty event focuses on those at higher risk, making the client with a GCS of 8 the immediate candidate for immobilization.