Which client in the emergency department should be prioritized for treatment?

Prioritizing the 7-day-old infant with a rectal temperature of 100.6 F is crucial due to the inherent vulnerability of neonates and the potential severity of their conditions. In infants less than 28 days old, a fever could indicate a serious infection, such as sepsis or meningitis. The immune system in such young children is not fully developed, making them more susceptible to infections and less capable of mounting an effective response. Therefore, this infant requires immediate assessment and intervention to rule out life-threatening conditions.

The other clients, while they may need care, do not present with conditions that necessitate the same level of urgency. The client with a non-bleeding arm laceration may require cleaning and suturing but does not pose an imminent risk to life. The patient with purulent drainage of the eyelid indicates a possible infection but, similarly to the laceration, is typically manageable through outpatient or less urgent care. The new parent experiencing emotional distress requires support and intervention but does not have an acute medical condition that demands priority over a potential infection in a neonate.