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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Developing a survey on teen pregnancies is important for understanding the prevalence and factors contributing to teen pregnancies in the community. However, it is not the most immediate priority intervention. Surveys are useful for data collection but do not provide immediate insights into the overall community health needs.
Choice B reason:
Holding a focus group to discuss immunizations is valuable for gathering community input and addressing concerns about vaccinations. While this is an important public health activity, it is more specific and does not provide a comprehensive overview of the community’s health needs.
Choice C reason:
Performing a windshield survey is a priority intervention for a public health nurse assigned to a new community. This type of survey involves systematically observing the community to gather information about its overall health status, resources, and needs. It provides a broad overview that can inform more targeted interventions and programs.
Choice D reason:
Interviewing the elderly at the senior’s center is important for understanding the specific needs of this population group. However, it is a more focused intervention and does not provide a comprehensive assessment of the entire community’s health needs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
“It’s not unusual to feel that way at first, but once you learn the routine, you’ll enjoy it.” While this response acknowledges the client’s feelings, it does not provide specific information about the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation. The client needs to understand how rehabilitation can help them recover and improve their quality of life.
Choice B reason:
“Diet and exercise are good for you and good for your heart.” This statement is true but too general. It does not address the client’s specific concerns about the purpose and benefits of cardiac rehabilitation. The client needs more detailed information about how the program can help them.
Choice C reason:
“Cardiac rehabilitation cannot undo the damage to your heart but it can help you get back to your previous level of activity safely.” This response directly addresses the client’s concerns and provides clear information about the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation. It explains that while the damage cannot be reversed, rehabilitation can help the client regain strength, improve cardiovascular health, and safely return to their daily activities.
Choice D reason:
“Your doctor is the expert here, and I’m sure they would only recommend what is best for you.” While this statement supports the doctor’s recommendation, it does not provide the client with specific information about the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation. The client needs to understand how the program can help them personally.