In a unit with limited resources, which statement is true?

• A. Life-threatening risks should be addressed last to minimize chaos
• B. It is acceptable to ignore patient safety if costs are too high
• C. Life-threatening risks should be addressed first, with coordination to use limited resources efficiently
• D. All tasks should be delayed until full staffing is available

Answer: (C)

When resources are limited, the priority is to identify and address the most urgent threats to life first, while coordinating the use of scarce resources to avoid bottlenecks and waste. This approach reflects triage in healthcare: immediate danger to a patient’s life gets attention right away, because delaying care can lead to death or severe harm.

Why this is the best choice: by focusing on life-threatening risks first, you protect patients from rapid deterioration and maximize the impact of every available resource. Coordinating care ensures that the limited staff, equipment, and supplies are used as efficiently as possible, reducing chaos and preventing unintended delays in critical treatments.

Why the other statements don’t fit: delaying life-threatening risks increases harm and mortality; ignoring patient safety because of cost is unethical and unsafe; and waiting for full staffing before doing any tasks leaves urgent needs unmet and places patients at risk.