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:
Limiting fluid intake to prevent incontinence is not recommended as it can lead to dehydration and other complications. Proper hydration is essential for overall health, and other strategies should be used to manage incontinence.
Choice B reason:
Administration of antispasmodic medication can help manage bladder spasms and incontinence, but it is not the highest priority intervention. While medication can be part of the treatment plan, preventing skin breakdown is more critical in the immediate care of a client with reflex incontinence.
Choice C reason:
Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor can be beneficial for managing incontinence, but they may not be effective for clients with paralysis following a spinal cord injury. These exercises require voluntary muscle control, which may be impaired in such clients.
Choice D reason:
Regular perineal care to prevent skin breakdown is the highest priority intervention for a client with reflex incontinence. Incontinence can lead to skin irritation, breakdown, and infection if not managed properly. Ensuring good perineal hygiene helps prevent these complications and promotes overall skin health.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Home care services provide medical and personal care to clients in their homes. While this option may be suitable for clients with less severe symptoms, a client with significant bilateral lower extremities muscle weakness may require more intensive rehabilitation services to improve mobility and function.
Choice B reason:
A sub-acute care facility provides care for clients who need more intensive services than those available in a traditional nursing home but do not require the full resources of a hospital. While this option may be appropriate for some clients, a rehabilitation facility is better suited for addressing the specific needs of a client with significant muscle weakness due to MS.
Choice C reason:
A rehabilitation facility is the most appropriate setting for a client with significant bilateral lower extremities muscle weakness due to MS. These facilities offer specialized programs and therapies designed to improve mobility, strength, and overall function. The client can receive comprehensive care from a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and neurologists.
Choice D reason:
A skilled nursing facility provides long-term care for clients with chronic conditions or disabilities. While these facilities offer medical care and assistance with daily activities, they may not provide the intensive rehabilitation services needed for a client with significant muscle weakness due to MS.