Prioritization of Patients in Emergency Situations

A nurse in the emergency department is faced with several patients presenting with symptoms indicative of different medical emergencies. It is critical for the nurse to assess the situation quickly and determine which conditions require immediate intervention. Consider the following patients:

1. A 40-year-old female with sudden onset of difficulty breathing and wheezing after eating shellfish.

2. A 60-year-old male who collapsed after complaining of severe abdominal pain and is now unresponsive.

3. A 25-year-old male who presents with severe headache, photophobia, and a stiff neck.

4. An 80-year-old female who has experienced a fall and is presenting with confusion and a noticeable deformity to her right leg.

5. A 50-year-old male with chest pain radiating to his left shoulder and has diaphoresis.

6. A 30-year-old female who is experiencing a severe allergic reaction with hives and swelling around the face and neck.

Which of these patients should the nurse prioritize for immediate intervention based on their symptoms?