According to the three-tiered triage model, which client should the nurse prioritize for care?

The prioritized client for care, according to the three-tiered triage model, is the one with a lobar abscess. This condition represents a serious infection that can lead to significant complications if not treated promptly, including respiratory failure and sepsis. In the triage model, clients with potentially life-threatening conditions or those that could deteriorate quickly if not managed immediately are prioritized higher than those with less critical issues.

In comparison, while a client with a deep laceration may also require urgent care, it typically does not pose the same immediate systemic risk as an untreated lobar abscess. Minor fractures, while requiring treatment, are also less critical in the context of life-threatening conditions. Abdominal pain, without further context regarding its severity or underlying cause, might encompass a range of issues from benign to serious, but it does not automatically indicate a higher priority than a confirmed infection such as a lobar abscess.

Thus, in a triage scenario, the presence of an established infection that can rapidly escalate in severity underlines the need for immediate intervention, making that client the correct choice for prioritization.