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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering thrombolytics is not the first action the nurse should take. Thrombolytics are used to treat ischemic strokes, but their administration requires a thorough assessment and confirmation of the diagnosis through imaging studies. Immediate action is needed to ensure the client’s safety and initiate the stroke protocol.
Choice B reason:
Calling for help is the first action the nurse should take. The client is exhibiting signs of a possible stroke, and immediate medical intervention is required. Calling for help ensures that the stroke team or emergency response team is activated promptly to provide the necessary care.
Choice C reason:
Providing the client with water to test the gag reflex is not appropriate in this situation. The client may have difficulty swallowing, and giving water could lead to aspiration. The priority is to ensure the client’s safety and initiate the stroke protocol.
Choice D reason:
Performing carotid massage is not indicated for a client with new right-sided weakness and slurred speech. Carotid massage is used to manage certain types of arrhythmias, but it is not appropriate for suspected stroke. The focus should be on immediate assessment and intervention.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The central nervous system is not a common portal of entry for anthrax. Anthrax primarily enters the body through the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract. While it can affect the central nervous system if it spreads, it is not a primary entry point.
Choice B reason:
The integumentary system, or skin, is a common portal of entry for anthrax. Cutaneous anthrax occurs when Bacillus anthracis spores enter the body through a cut or abrasion on the skin. This form of anthrax is characterized by a localized infection that can develop into a painless ulcer with a black center.
Choice C reason:
The respiratory system is another primary portal of entry for anthrax. Inhalation anthrax occurs when spores are inhaled into the lungs. This form of anthrax is particularly dangerous and can lead to severe respiratory distress and systemic infection if not treated promptly.
Choice D reason:
The renal system is not a typical portal of entry for anthrax. While anthrax can affect multiple organ systems if it becomes systemic, it does not enter the body through the kidneys or urinary tract.
Choice E reason:
The gastrointestinal system is a potential portal of entry for anthrax. Gastrointestinal anthrax occurs when spores are ingested, typically through contaminated food or water. This form of anthrax can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic infection.