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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, can be exacerbated by air pollutants, including ozone. However, individuals with asthma are more severely affected by ozone exposure. Ozone can trigger asthma attacks and worsen symptoms, making it a more critical concern for those with asthma.
Choice B reason:
Mitral valve disease affects the heart’s mitral valve and can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. While air pollution can impact cardiovascular health, ozone specifically poses a greater risk to individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma rather than those with mitral valve disease.
Choice C reason:
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths in the nasal passages or sinuses that can cause breathing difficulties and chronic sinus infections. Although air pollutants can irritate the nasal passages, individuals with asthma are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of ozone, which can exacerbate their respiratory symptoms.
Choice D reason:
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. Ozone exposure can significantly worsen asthma symptoms, trigger asthma attacks, and reduce lung function. Therefore, individuals with asthma are especially vulnerable to the effects of ozone.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Assisting the client with active range of motion exercises is important for preventing complications such as contractures and maintaining mobility. However, it is not the priority intervention in the acute phase of a hemorrhagic stroke. The primary focus should be on stabilizing the client and monitoring their condition closely.
Choice B reason:
Maintaining strict bed rest to minimize cerebral blood flow is not appropriate for managing a hemorrhagic stroke. While bed rest may be necessary to prevent further injury, the priority is to monitor the client’s neurological status and vital signs to detect any changes that may indicate worsening of the condition.
Choice C reason:
Monitoring vital signs and neurological status frequently is the priority intervention for a client who has experienced a hemorrhagic stroke. Close monitoring allows the nurse to detect any changes in the client’s condition promptly and take appropriate action. This is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring timely intervention if the client’s condition deteriorates.
Choice D reason:
Administering anticoagulant medications is contraindicated in hemorrhagic stroke because they can exacerbate bleeding. Anticoagulants are used in ischemic stroke to prevent clot formation, but in hemorrhagic stroke, the focus is on controlling bleeding and stabilizing the client.