In an emergency department setting, which client should a nurse assess first if all have an odor of alcohol on their breath?

In an emergency department setting, the priority is to assess the client who is difficult to arouse and unable to respond. This is crucial because such a client may be at a greater risk for serious complications, including alcohol poisoning or significant impairment due to intoxication. The inability to respond indicates a potential loss of consciousness or severe neurological compromise, which necessitates immediate evaluation and intervention to ensure airway protection, monitor vital signs, and determine the need for possible supportive care or resuscitation.

In contrast, clients with minor injuries or who are able to respond to questions or are coherent and alert present a lower immediate risk. They can likely wait for assessment as their condition indicates they are stable and not in a critical situation. The focus on the most compromised patient aligns with the principles of triage in emergency medicine, where those with the highest acuity need urgent attention before others with less critical conditions.