Final answer:
In an emergency where a patient's blood type is unknown, Type O negative blood is used for transfusion because it is the universal donor type and is less likely to cause an immune response. Mass casualty triage sorts patients into Immediate, Delayed, Minor, and Expectant categories, based on their medical needs. Rapid neurological assessment in emergencies is crucial to identify the extent of brain injury and guide treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Following a motor vehicle accident with multiple traumatic injuries causing severe bleeding, a patient with an unknown blood type will typically receive Type O negative blood. This is because Type O negative blood is considered the universal donor blood type for emergency transfusions. It's the safest option in critical situations as it has no A, B, or Rh antigens on the surface of the red cells, which means it's less likely to cause an immune response in the recipient.
In a mass casualty triage situation, the categories for sorting patients depend on the severity of their injuries and their immediate need for medical attention. The categories are typically:
- Immediate: Patients who require immediate life-saving interventions.
- Delayed: Patients with serious but not immediately life-threatening injuries who can wait for treatment.
- Minor: Patients with minor injuries who need medical care but can wait longer.
- Expectant: Patients with injuries so severe that they are unlikely to survive even with immediate treatment.
In the context of a neurological emergency, a rapid assessment is vital because it helps determine the presence and extent of brain injury or impairment, which can impact life-saving decisions and treatment plans. Knowledge of how to immediately assess a patient's neurological function is essential for emergency medical personnel.