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:
Blunt force trauma refers to injuries caused by impact with a blunt object, resulting in contusions, abrasions, lacerations, or fractures. While blunt force trauma can occur in explosions, it is typically associated with tertiary blast injuries, where the victim is thrown against a solid object. Secondary injuries from high-order explosives are more specifically related to penetrating injuries caused by flying debris and shrapnel.
Choice B reason:
Hollow organ damage is a type of primary blast injury caused by the overpressure wave from an explosion. This wave can cause significant damage to gas-filled organs such as the lungs, intestines, and ears. However, secondary injuries are not typically characterized by hollow organ damage. Secondary injuries are more commonly associated with penetrating trauma from debris and shrapnel.
Choice C reason:
Post-trauma stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While PTSD is a serious and common consequence of exposure to explosions and other traumatic events, it is not classified as a secondary injury. Secondary injuries refer to physical injuries caused by flying debris and shrapnel, not psychological conditions.
Choice D reason:
Penetrating injuries are the hallmark of secondary blast injuries. These injuries occur when fragments from the explosive device or surrounding materials are propelled at high velocity, causing wounds that penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. These injuries can be severe and life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. The nurse should anticipate and be prepared to manage penetrating injuries in clients exposed to high-order explosives.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Closing the school for 6 weeks is an extreme measure that is not typically warranted for managing influenza outbreaks. Public health guidelines usually recommend temporary closures or other measures to control the spread of infection, but a 6-week closure is excessive and disruptive.
Choice B reason:
Education regarding respiratory and hand hygiene is an appropriate and effective action to help control the spread of influenza. Teaching students and staff about proper handwashing techniques, respiratory etiquette, and other preventive measures can significantly reduce the transmission of the virus. This approach empowers the school community to take proactive steps in preventing further infections.
Choice C reason:
Discipline in the school setting for improper handwashing is not an appropriate response. While it is important to encourage proper hygiene practices, using disciplinary measures can create a negative environment and may not effectively promote behavior change. Education and positive reinforcement are more effective strategies.
Choice D reason:
Running a mandatory flu clinic can be beneficial, but it is not the most immediate or appropriate action in response to an outbreak. Flu clinics are typically part of broader vaccination efforts and may not address the immediate need to control the current outbreak. Education on hygiene practices is a more immediate and practical response.