Question

The triage nurse is responsible for screening, assessment and the initial patient contact in the ambulatory care setting. It is important to look for verbal and nonverbal cues when doing a triage assessment. What important information should the triage nurse screen for with every patient during every visit regardless of complaint

A. Marital status
B. Signs of Abuse
C. Financial Status
D Dental history

Answer 1

During triage, a nurse should screen every patient for signs of abuse, as this is a critical piece of information that requires immediate intervention if found. Orientation is also assessed to understand the patient's awareness of their situation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing a triage assessment, a triage nurse under the direct supervision of a registered nurse should always screen for signs of abuse with every patient during every visit regardless of complaint. While other information such as marital status, financial status, and dental history can be relevant to certain aspects of patient care, they are not typically universal screening criteria during triage. The focus of triage is on assessing the patient's immediate health needs, reviewing their history and current condition, and ensuring accurate and sterile procedures. Assessing for signs of abuse is critical as it can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.

Furthermore, during triage, the nurse will review aloud with the healthcare team critical information, including confirmation of the patient's identity and awareness of the situation, also known as orientation, which involves understanding of the patient's awareness of time, place, and personal identity.