In the emergency department, which client should be triaged as nonurgent?

In triage, clients are prioritized based on the severity and urgency of their medical conditions. A client with a localized abscess on the leg typically presents with a localized infection that, while requiring treatment, is not immediately life-threatening and can often be managed on an outpatient basis. This makes this client nonurgent compared to others presenting with more severe symptoms.

For example, a client experiencing chest pressure may be exhibiting signs of a potential cardiac event, which is critically urgent and requires immediate evaluation and intervention. Similarly, a client experiencing nausea and vomiting could be experiencing a range of conditions, from gastrointestinal illnesses to more severe issues such as an obstruction or dehydration, which also necessitates prompt assessment. Lastly, a client requesting a refill of their antidepressant, while it may indicate a need for ongoing mental health support, does not require immediate medical intervention in an emergency setting. Therefore, the localized abscess on the leg is the most appropriate choice for nonurgent triage in this context.