A nurse working at an assisted living facility is helping emergency medical services (EMS) triage clients after a fire in the building. The 83-year-old client suffered smoke inhalation. The client is coughing with a respiratory rate of 36 and reports shortness of breath. Using the START triage, what acuity level should be assigned to this client?
Black
Green
Red
Yellow
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: The black category in the START triage system is for clients who are deceased or have injuries so severe that they are not expected to survive even with immediate medical intervention. This client is not in that category since they are conscious and breathing.
Choice B reason: The green category is for clients who are ambulatory with minor injuries and do not require urgent medical attention. This client is experiencing significant respiratory distress, which categorizes them as more urgent.
Choice C reason: The red category is for clients who need immediate life-saving intervention. This client's respiratory rate of 36 and shortness of breath indicate a severe respiratory distress that requires urgent medical attention.
Choice D reason: The yellow category is for clients who are unable to walk but have stable conditions that do not require immediate life-saving intervention. This client's condition is more severe and needs prompt intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: The radiology department plays a crucial role in mass casualty incidents by providing imaging services to diagnose and assess the extent of injuries. Involving radiology in the drill planning process ensures that they are prepared to handle a sudden influx of patients.
Choice B reason: Hospital security is essential for managing crowd control, maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors during a mass casualty incident. Their involvement in the drill planning process is necessary to coordinate security measures effectively.
Choice C reason: Hospital housekeeping is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitation, which is especially important during a mass casualty incident to prevent the spread of infections and ensure a safe environment for patient care. Their participation in the drill planning helps prepare them for increased demands.
Choice D reason: The dietary department, while important for overall patient care, is not immediately critical in the context of a mass casualty drill. The focus of such drills is typically on urgent medical care, security, and logistical coordination.
Choice E reason: The registration department is vital for efficiently processing and documenting patient information during a mass casualty incident. Their involvement in the drill planning process ensures that they are prepared to handle a large number of patients quickly and accurately.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A client with lymphoma receiving inpatient chemotherapy is likely to require close monitoring and ongoing treatment due to the potential complications associated with their condition and treatment. Discharging this client could put them at significant risk.
Choice B reason: A client with heart failure with crackles bilaterally on 4 liters of oxygen needs continuous medical supervision and care to manage their heart condition and oxygen levels. Discharging this client could exacerbate their heart failure and lead to serious health complications.
Choice C reason: A client who is post-appendectomy with a paralytic ileus is at risk of complications such as bowel obstruction and infection. They need to be closely monitored in the hospital until their condition stabilizes and they begin to recover from surgery.
Choice D reason: A client with a nondisplaced tibia fracture that has been immobilized is generally stable and can be safely discharged with appropriate instructions for home care. This client does not require intensive monitoring and can continue their recovery at home.
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