In triage after a disaster, which type of injury should a nurse assign the highest priority?

In a triage scenario following a disaster, the highest priority is assigned to injuries that pose an immediate threat to life or the potential for rapid deterioration. A 95% full-thickness body burn is a critical condition that requires urgent medical intervention. Such extensive burns can lead to severe complications, including shock, infection, and respiratory distress, all of which can be fatal if not addressed promptly.

In contrast, the other injuries listed, such as a fractured arm with minimal bleeding, a minor laceration, and a concussion without loss of consciousness, are serious but do not pose the same immediate life-threatening risks. While they require medical attention, they can often wait longer in a triage situation where resources are limited and priorities must focus on saving lives first. The criterion for triage is focused heavily on the severity of the injury and the potential for survival, which firmly establishes the case of the full-thickness body burn as the highest priority.