A nurse is caring for a client brought to the Emergency Department as one of the first victims of a train accident. The nurse assesses the client, noting a respiratory rate of 38, a weak, rapid pulse, and uncontrolled bleeding. Using NATO guidelines, the nurse assigns which priority tag?

Red tag

Black tag

Green tag

Yellow tag

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A: Red tag

A red tag is assigned to patients who require immediate medical attention and intervention to survive. These patients have life-threatening injuries but have a high chance of survival if treated promptly. In this scenario, the client has a respiratory rate of 38, a weak and rapid pulse, and uncontrolled bleeding. These symptoms indicate severe physiological distress and potential shock, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent death. According to NATO triage guidelines, such critical conditions warrant a red tag to prioritize urgent care1.

Choice B: Black tag

A black tag is used for patients who are deceased or have injuries so severe that survival is unlikely even with immediate medical intervention. This category is also known as “expectant” and is used to allocate resources to those with a higher chance of survival. The client in this scenario, despite having severe symptoms, is not described as being beyond the possibility of survival, thus a black tag would not be appropriate 1.

Choice C: Green tag

A green tag is assigned to patients with minor injuries who can wait for medical treatment without immediate risk to life. These patients are often referred to as “walking wounded.” The client’s symptoms of a high respiratory rate, weak and rapid pulse, and uncontrolled bleeding are far too severe to be classified under this category. Assigning a green tag would delay critical care, potentially leading to fatal outcomes1.

Choice D: Yellow tag

A yellow tag is for patients who have serious injuries but whose treatment can be delayed without immediate risk to life. These patients need medical attention but are stable enough to wait for a short period. Given the client’s symptoms, particularly the uncontrolled bleeding and signs of shock, delaying treatment could result in rapid deterioration. Therefore, a yellow tag would not be suitable in this case1.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Administering thrombolytics is not the first action the nurse should take. Thrombolytics are used to treat ischemic strokes, but their administration requires a thorough assessment and confirmation of the diagnosis through imaging studies. Immediate action is needed to ensure the client’s safety and initiate the stroke protocol.

Choice B reason:

Calling for help is the first action the nurse should take. The client is exhibiting signs of a possible stroke, and immediate medical intervention is required. Calling for help ensures that the stroke team or emergency response team is activated promptly to provide the necessary care.

Choice C reason:

Providing the client with water to test the gag reflex is not appropriate in this situation. The client may have difficulty swallowing, and giving water could lead to aspiration. The priority is to ensure the client’s safety and initiate the stroke protocol.

Choice D reason:

Performing carotid massage is not indicated for a client with new right-sided weakness and slurred speech. Carotid massage is used to manage certain types of arrhythmias, but it is not appropriate for suspected stroke. The focus should be on immediate assessment and intervention.

A. “Chew tablet well before swallowing.” B. “If you experience chest pain, call your physician immediately.” C. “Take daily to prevent headaches.” D. “Repeat dose in 1 hour for unrelieved headache.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Chewing the tablet before swallowing is not the correct method of administration for Sumatriptan (Imitrex) tablets. These tablets are designed to be swallowed whole. Chewing them could affect the medication’s efficacy and absorption.

Choice B reason:

“If you experience chest pain, call your physician immediately.” This instruction is crucial because Sumatriptan can cause serious cardiovascular side effects, including chest pain, which may indicate a heart attack or other serious condition. Clients need to be aware of this potential side effect and seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.

Choice C reason:

Taking Sumatriptan daily to prevent headaches is incorrect. Sumatriptan is used to treat acute migraine attacks and is not intended for daily use as a preventive medication. Using it daily could lead to medication overuse headaches and other adverse effects.

Choice D reason:

“Repeat dose in 1 hour for unrelieved headache” is partially correct but incomplete. The correct instruction is to repeat the dose after 2 hours if the headache is not relieved, up to a maximum of two doses in 24 hours. Clients should follow the specific dosing instructions provided by their healthcare provider.

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A nurse is caring for a client brought to the Emergency Department as one of the first victims of a train accident. The nurse assesses the client, noting a respiratory rate of 38, a weak, rapid pulse, and uncontrolled bleeding. Using NATO guidelines, the nurse assigns which priority tag?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse enters the room of a client and discovers the client with new right-sided weakness and slurred speech. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for Sumatriptan (Imitrex) tablets to treat migraine headaches. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client brought to the Emergency Department as one of the first victims of a train accident. The nurse assesses the client, noting a respiratory rate of 38, a weak, rapid pulse, and uncontrolled bleeding. Using NATO guidelines, the nurse assigns which priority tag?

A nurse is conducting triage of clients transported from a mass casualty incident (MCI). A client arrives saturated with an unknown substance and medical transport reports feeling dizzy. The nurse should prioritize which actions? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

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Which of the following statements indicate the importance of epidemiology to the community health nurse? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

The nurse is preparing for an initial home care visit for a client with diabetes. Which action by the nurse is appropriate? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY.

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