Question

A tour bus has overturned, resulting in numerous patients. When you arrive, you are immediately assigned to assist in the triage process. Patient 1 is a middle-aged male with respiratory distress, chest pain, and a closed deformity to his right forearm. Patient 2 is a young female who is conscious and alert but has bilateral femur fractures and numerous abrasions to her arms and face. Patient 3 is an older woman who complains of abdominal pain and has a history of cardiovascular disease. Patient 4 is unresponsive, is not breathing, has a weak carotid pulse, and has a grossly deformed skull. What triage categories should you assign to these patients?

A. Patient 1, immediate (red); Patient 2, minimal (green); Patient 3, delayed (yellow); Patient 4, expectant (black).

B. Patient 1, delayed (yellow); Patient 2, immediate (red); Patient 3, delayed (yellow); Patient 4, immediate (red).

C. Patient 1, immediate (red); Patient 2, delayed (yellow); Patient 3, immediate (red); Patient 4, expectant (black).

D. Patient 1, delayed (yellow); Patient 2, delayed (yellow); Patient 3, minimal (green); Patient 4, immediate (red).

Answer 1

The triage categories for the patients are as follows: Patient 1 - immediate (red), Patient 2 - immediate (red), Patient 3 - delayed (yellow), Patient 4 - expectant (black).

Step-by-step explanation:

The triage categories that should be assigned to these patients are as follows:

Patient 1: immediate (red) - This patient is experiencing respiratory distress and chest pain, indicating a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Patient 2: immediate (red) - This patient has bilateral femur fractures, which can cause significant pain and impairment. Additionally, the numerous abrasions suggest the need for urgent medical care.

Patient 3: delayed (yellow) - Although this patient complains of abdominal pain and has a history of cardiovascular disease, these symptoms are not immediately life-threatening. However, they still require medical attention, albeit at a lower urgency level.

Patient 4: expectant (black) - This patient is unresponsive, not breathing, and has a grossly deformed skull. These signs indicate a grave prognosis, and without immediate medical intervention, the patient is not expected to survive.