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:
Predicting future client outcomes based on historical data is the purpose of predictive analytics, not descriptive analytics. Predictive analytics uses statistical models and algorithms to forecast future events or behaviors. Descriptive analytics, on the other hand, focuses on summarizing and interpreting past data.
Choice B reason:
Developing new treatment protocols based on client data is more aligned with prescriptive analytics, which provides recommendations for actions based on data analysis. Descriptive analytics does not develop new protocols but rather helps in understanding and summarizing existing data.
Choice C reason:
Descriptive analytics involves summarizing and interpreting historical client data to identify trends and patterns. This type of analytics helps healthcare providers understand what has happened in the past and can inform decision-making by highlighting key insights and trends. It is a foundational step in data analysis that supports further predictive and prescriptive analytics.
Choice D reason:
Providing real-time monitoring of client’s vital signs is associated with real-time analytics or monitoring systems, not descriptive analytics. Descriptive analytics focuses on analyzing historical data rather than real-time data.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering an antipyretic can help reduce fever, which is a common symptom of meningococcal meningitis. However, this action does not address the immediate need to assess the extent of neurological impairment. While fever management is important, it is not the first priority in this situation.
Choice B reason:
Completing a vascular assessment is important to evaluate the client’s circulatory status, especially if there are signs of septicemia. However, in the context of suspected meningococcal meningitis, the priority is to assess the neurological status to determine the extent of central nervous system involvement. This will guide further treatment and interventions.
Choice C reason:
Assessing the cranial nerves is crucial in a client with suspected meningococcal meningitis. This assessment helps determine the extent of neurological impairment and can provide critical information about the progression of the disease. Early identification of neurological deficits can guide immediate and appropriate interventions to prevent further complications.
Choice D reason:
Decreasing environmental stimuli can help reduce discomfort for the client, especially if they are experiencing photophobia or other sensory sensitivities. However, this action does not address the immediate need to assess the client’s neurological status. It is a supportive measure that can be implemented after more critical assessments are completed.