The nurse finds a green triage tag on a client. what does the nurse infer from this finding?

Derived from the French word “trier,” triage means to separate or sort out. This is how triage status works: in a multi-casualty situation, each individual patient undergoes a brief examination by a specially trained EMS provider, who will determine the apparent severity of the injury or illness. A patient who has a potentially life-threatening condition would obviously receive a higher treatment priority than someone with a sprained ankle or broken finger.

Emergency Triage Color Coding

After a triage assessment is completed, a label called a triage tag is placed on the patient. The triage tag identifies the patient and includes information about his or her condition and need for treatment. The triage tag is sometimes color-coded so that a quick glance can give care providers an immediate indication of the triage prioritization. The triage tag is also used to track the patient’s progress through the triage process.

There are four color-coded triage tags that identify the condition and current treatment requirements of the victim:

  • Red tag: A red tag indicates the most urgent treatment need. The individual has suffered life-threatening injuries but has a chance for survival if he or she receives immediate medical attention.
  • Yellow tag: The individual’s condition is stable and there is no immediate danger of death, although later triage may be necessary. The victim still requires observation and hospitalization.
  • Green tag: These victims are referred to as the “walking wounded.” Their injuries are not life-threatening, and they should receive care after those with red or yellow tags.
  • White tag: Victims who receive white tags are those who have only minor injuries that do not require further medical treatment.
  • Black tags: Used for the deceased and for those whose injuries are so extensive that they will not be able to survive given the care that is available.

How Are Triage Assessments Performed?

When a mass casualty incident occurs, the responsibility to perform a triage assessment typically rests on the shoulders of the emergency responders. The mass casualty triage assessment process can be extremely challenging for multiple reasons. There could be dozens, or even hundreds, of people who need medical attention — many of the injuries are also likely to be of a complex nature. The high degree of chaos and confusion that is normally present at MCI scenes can further complicate the triage process.

Because of the high volume of injuries or illnesses during an MCI, it is imperative that triage is administered as quickly as possible. A basic triage process for patient assessment is S.T.A.R.T., which stands for “simple triage and rapid treatment.” S.T.A.R.T. assessments encompass four areas:

  • The patient’s ability to walk and follow basic commands
  • Respirations
  • Level of circulatory system profusion
  • Mental status and alertness

During MCI triage, the victims are generally classified in one of three categories based on their apparent need for medical treatment: immediate, delayed or minor. How long should a triage assessment take? Because of the need to attend to as many individuals as possible in a short amount of time, the entire S.T.A.R.T. assessment should be completed in no more than 30 seconds.

Triage Support Software

Sharing information quickly is vital during a mass casualty incident. StatusNet911 software enables emergency medical personnel to promptly alert destination hospitals about the triage status of every incoming patient. This will allow physicians and nurses to prioritize the treatment needs of each patient and deliver the best possible care upon arrival. The health care facility can also provide timely information about the capacity they can handle for each of the different triage levels.

StatusNet911 Software Can Be a Lifesaver During an MCI

StatusNet911 EMS System Management software from DataTech911 can be an extremely valuable status management tool during an MCI. This user-friendly software solution can provide real-time information to emergency medical personnel regarding triage status. When patients arrive at the hospital or treatment facility, physicians and nurses will be able to provide the best possible care to each individual. StatusNet911 can also be essential for providing timely information to friends and family members regarding the condition of their loved ones.

Learn more about how StatusNet911 can be an invaluable asset during the MCI triage process.

Topics

81.The nurse finds that some clients have extensive full-thickness body burns andsevere head trauma after an apartment building fire. The nurse also finds that theseclients require mechanical ventilator for survival. Which disaster triage tag does thenurse applies to this group of clients?ARedCorrectBBlackCGreenDYellowClients with extensive full-thickness body burns, severe head trauma, and high cervical spinal cord injury requiring mechanical ventilation are given black tags as they are expected to die. Clients with airway obstruction or shock are given red tags as they require immediate attention. Clients with open fractures with a distal pulse and large wounds that need treatment within 30 minutes to 2 hours are given yellow tags. Green tags are issued to clients with minor injuries. Test-Taking Tip: Read the question carefully before looking at the answers: (1) Determine what the question is really asking; look for key words; (2) Read each answer thoroughly and see if it completely covers the material asked by the question; (3) Narrow the choices by immediately eliminating answers you know are incorrect.60%of students nationwide answered this question correctly.View Topics13155417701Confidence: Pretty sureStatsIssue with this question?

82.oChart/Exhibit 1The nurse is applying tags to earthquake victims according to the disaster triage tagsystem. Which client has been correctly tagged?BCD

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obstruction and shock. A black tag is applied to the clients who are expected to die due to severe injuries such as massive head trauma. Therefore clients A, C and D have been incorrectly tagged.54%of students nationwide answered this question correctly.View Topics13155415193Confidence: Pretty sureStatsIssue with this question?83.The nurse finds a green triage tag on a client. What does the nurse infer from thisfinding?BCD

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Test-Taking Tip: Identify option components as correct or incorrect. This may help you identify a wrong answer.

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Tags

Respiratory distress, airway obstruction, triage, open fractures