A nurse in an urgent care center is assessing a client who reports a sudden onset of irregular palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness. The nurse finds a rapid and irregular heart rate with a significant pulse deficit. Which of the following dysrhythmias should the nurse expect to find on the ECG?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because this client has signs of brain death, such as severe head injuries, low respiratory rate, and unresponsiveness. The nurse should tag this client as black, which means deceased or expectant.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because this client has non-life-threatening injuries, such as a simple fracture and scratches. The nurse should tag this client as green, which means minor or delayed care.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because this client has minor injuries and is able to walk around. The nurse should tag this client as green, which means minor or delayed care.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because this client has a life-threatening condition called tension pneumothorax, which requires immediate care. This client has a life-threatening condition called tension pneumothorax, which is caused by air leaking into the pleural space and compressing the lung and the heart. This can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and death if not treated immediately. The hissing sound indicates that air is escaping from the lung through the wound. The nurse should tag this client as red, which means immediate care is needed.

The correct answer is: a. Place a black tag on the client’s upper body and attempt to help the next client in need.

Choice A: Place a black tag on the client’s upper body and attempt to help the next client in need.

In mass casualty incidents, the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) triage system is often used. According to this system, if a patient is apneic (not breathing) and does not resume breathing after repositioning the airway, they are considered deceased or non-salvageable and should be tagged with a black tag. This allows the nurse to focus on other victims who have a higher chance of survival.

Choice B: Start CPR

While starting CPR might seem appropriate in a normal setting, during a mass casualty incident, resources and time are limited. The priority is to save as many lives as possible. Performing CPR on an apneic patient with a weak pulse would take significant time and resources that could be used to help other victims with a higher chance of survival.

Choice C: Place a red tag on the client’s upper body and obtain immediate help from other personnel.

A red tag is used for patients who need immediate care and have a high chance of survival if treated promptly. Since the client remains apneic even after repositioning the airway, they do not meet the criteria for a red tag.

Choice D: Reposition the client’s upper airway a second time before assessing his respirations.

Repositioning the airway a second time is not recommended in the START triage system. If the patient does not resume breathing after the initial repositioning, they are considered non-salvageable.