A triage nurse finds a school-age child lying in the road following a school bus crash with multiple casualties. The child has a respiratory rate of 8/min, is unresponsive to verbal commands, and groans to painful stimuli. The nurse should assign the client which of the following triage tags?
Red
Yellow
Green
Black
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
A red tag is used to label those who cannot survive without immediate treatment but who have a chance of survival. The child’s respiratory rate of 8/min, unresponsiveness to verbal commands, and groaning to painful stimuli indicate severe injuries that require urgent medical attention. Immediate intervention is necessary to address potential life-threatening conditions.
Choice B Reason:
A yellow tag is assigned to those who require observation and possible later re-triage. Their condition is stable for the moment, and they are not in immediate danger of death. Given the child’s critical condition, a yellow tag would not be appropriate as it suggests the child can wait for treatment, which is not the case here.
Choice C Reason:
A green tag is for the “walking wounded” who will need medical care at some point after more critical injuries have been treated. This tag is not suitable for the child in question, as their condition is far from minor and requires immediate attention.
Choice D Reason:
A black tag is used for the deceased or those whose injuries are so severe that they are not expected to survive despite receiving care. While the child’s condition is critical, they still have a chance of survival with immediate treatment, making a black tag inappropriate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason
“It is okay to not want to touch the burned areas of your body.” This statement is empathetic and acknowledges the client’s feelings, but it does not provide a constructive way to address their concerns about altered appearance. While it is important to validate the client’s feelings, offering a solution or support mechanism is more beneficial.
Choice B Reason
“Cosmetic surgery should be performed within the next year to be effective.” This statement is misleading. While timely intervention can be important, the timing of reconstructive or cosmetic surgery depends on various factors, including the extent of the burns, the healing process, and the patient’s overall health. It is not accurate to generalize that surgery must be performed within a year.
Choice C Reason
“Reconstructive surgery can completely restore your previous appearance.” This statement is incorrect and can give false hope. Reconstructive surgery aims to improve function and appearance, but it cannot completely restore the previous appearance. Managing expectations is crucial in the recovery process.
Choice D Reason
“It could be helpful for you to attend a support group for people who have burn injuries.” This statement is correct. Support groups provide emotional and psychological support, helping burn survivors cope with changes in appearance and other challenges. They offer a sense of community and shared experiences, which can be very beneficial for recovery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Decreasing leg strength is a common symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and indicates the progression of muscle weakness. While it is concerning and should be monitored, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory complications.
Choice B Reason:
Decreasing voice volume can indicate involvement of the cranial nerves and potential respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory failure. This is an urgent finding that requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory complications.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a hallmark of GBS and are expected in the progression of the disease. While they should be documented and monitored, they do not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other critical symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
Decreased sensation in the arms is another common symptom of GBS due to peripheral nerve involvement. It should be monitored, but it is not as urgent as signs of respiratory compromise.
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