Question

You are assigned to the Emergency Department today to assist in a staffing shortage. All of the following patients are awaiting care in the unit. Which patient would you see first?

1- Jonelle, 3, scalp laceration; the bleeding is slowing with firm pressure and ice pack to area but this child's screaming and crying are starting to increase the blood flow again.
2- Hans Schmidt, 44, was accidentally shot in the chest with a nail gun while working at his construction job. The paramedics stabilized the nail protruding from the upper chest and gave oxygen en route.
3- George___, no last name and no age. Looks like a 'street person'. Slurred speech; disoriented and moaning; alcohol odor to his breath. Patient has a 'goose egg' on the side of his head above the left ear, but the skin is intact.
4- Mr.M., 75, broken wrist; complains of tingling and pins and needles sensation in that arm.

Answer 1

The patient who should be seen first is Hans Schmidt, who was accidentally shot in the chest with a nail gun.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given scenario, the patient who should be seen first in the Emergency Department is Hans Schmidt, who was accidentally shot in the chest with a nail gun. Although Jonelle has a scalp laceration with increased bleeding due to crying, Hans' injury to the chest is more critical and requires immediate attention. Additionally, George's condition may be concerning due to the slurred speech and disorientation, but his injuries are not life-threatening compared to Hans' condition.