A nurse in an emergency department is triaging four clients following a mass casualty event. To which of the following clients should the nurse assign a red tag?

The correct answer is D: A client who has a compromised airway. Assigning a red tag indicates the client needs immediate attention and has life-threatening injuries. A compromised airway can lead to rapid deterioration and death if not addressed promptly, making it the priority. Brief loss of consciousness (A) may not indicate immediate danger. Major burns (B) require urgent care but may not lead to imminent death like an obstructed airway. Fixed pupils (C) suggest neurological issues but may not be immediately life-threatening. In this scenario, ensuring a patent airway is crucial for the client's survival, warranting a red tag assignment.