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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Hypertension is a common manifestation of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). As ICP rises, the body attempts to maintain cerebral perfusion by increasing blood pressure. This compensatory mechanism helps ensure that the brain continues to receive adequate blood flow despite the elevated pressure.
Choice B reason:
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is not a typical manifestation of increased ICP. While it can be a symptom of various conditions, it is not specifically associated with elevated intracranial pressure.
Choice C reason:
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not a manifestation of increased ICP. In fact, the body typically responds to increased ICP with hypertension to maintain cerebral perfusion. Hypotension would be concerning for other reasons but is not indicative of elevated intracranial pressure.
Choice D reason:
Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, is not a primary manifestation of increased ICP. While changes in heart rate can occur with severe neurological conditions, hypertension is a more direct indicator of elevated intracranial pressure.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Identification of resources to meet anticipated needs is a critical component of disaster planning. Nurses play a key role in identifying the resources required for effective disaster response, including medical supplies, personnel, and equipment. This ensures that the hospital is prepared to meet the needs of patients during a disaster.
Choice B reason:
Participation in comprehensive annual drills is essential for disaster preparedness. Nurses are involved in these drills to practice and refine their response skills, ensuring they are ready to act effectively in a real disaster. Drills help identify gaps in the disaster plan and provide opportunities for improvement.
Choice C reason:
Internal and external communications are vital during a disaster. Nurses are involved in establishing and maintaining communication channels within the hospital and with external agencies. Effective communication ensures coordination and timely response, which are crucial for managing a disaster situation.
Choice D reason:
Performing duties outside the typical job description may occur during a disaster, but it is not a primary component of the disaster plan. The focus is on ensuring that all staff are prepared to perform their roles effectively. While flexibility is important, the disaster plan should primarily outline specific roles and responsibilities.
Choice E reason:
Development of a decontamination plan is an important aspect of disaster preparedness, especially in scenarios involving hazardous materials. Nurses contribute to creating and implementing decontamination protocols to protect patients and staff from exposure to harmful substances.