Question

A mass casualty event has occurred and a nurse is responsible for client triage. what categories should the nurse use and what do these mean?

Answer 1

The following enumeration is the categories which the nurse should use in this case:

1. Emergent category (class I) - top priority must be given to clients who have been inflicted with life-threatening injuries but also have a high chance of survival once they are treated or stabilized.

2. Urgent category (class II) – second top priority must be given to clients who have been inflicted with major injuries that are not yet critical and usually can wait 45 to 60 min for treatment.

3. Nonurgent category (class III) - third priority must be given to clients who have slight injuries that are not critical and do not need immediate action.

4. Expectant category (class IV) - the lowest priority must be given to clients who are not likely to live and will be approved to die naturally. Comfort measures may be given, however restorative care will be not given anymore.

Answer 2

There are four categories a nurse should use: Emergent category, Urgent category, Nonurgent category, Expectant category.

In emergency category, the clients who have life-threatening injuries are given high priority. In urgent category, the clients who have major injuries but not life threatening are given second highest priority. In non-urgent category, the clients with minor and not life threatening injuries are given next highest priority and in expectant category, the clients who are not predictable to live and will be allowed to die naturally are given lowest priority.