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
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 appropriate1.
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:
The assistive personnel’s ability to complete the task without assistance is important, but it is encompassed within the broader consideration of their competency and experience. Ensuring that the personnel can perform the task independently is part of assessing their overall capability.
Choice B reason:
The assistive personnel’s level of experience and competency in performing the task is a critical factor in the delegation process. The nurse must ensure that the personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the task safely and effectively. This consideration aligns with the “right person” aspect of the five rights of delegation, ensuring that the task is delegated to someone who is qualified to perform it.
Choice C reason:
The assistive personnel’s rapport with clients is beneficial for providing compassionate care, but it is not a primary consideration in the delegation process. The focus should be on the personnel’s ability to perform the task competently and safely.
Choice D reason:
The assistive personnel’s availability at the time of the delegation is a logistical consideration, but it does not address the critical aspect of competency. While availability is necessary, it is secondary to ensuring that the personnel are capable of performing the task.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A nurse clinician typically provides direct patient care in clinical settings such as hospitals or clinics. While they may be involved in health promotion, their primary role is not focused on workplace health and safety.
Choice B reason:
A public health nurse works to improve the health of populations and communities. They focus on public health initiatives and may work in various settings, but their role is broader than the specific focus on workplace health and safety.
Choice C reason:
A community nurse specialist provides specialized care within a community setting. While they may engage in health promotion, their role is not specifically tied to workplace health and safety.
Choice D reason:
An occupational health nurse focuses on health promotion and safety within the workplace. They work to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses, promote healthy work environments, and provide care for employees. This role aligns with the description of a nurse working in health promotion and safety for an automotive plant.