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Difficulty: EasyEmergency Response Plan

A nurse is performing triage at the scene of a train derailment using the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) method. A victim is lying on the ground and reports being unable to walk due to severe leg pain. Assessment reveals a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute, a strong radial pulse, and the ability to follow the command to squeeze the nurse's hand. Which of the following triage tags should the nurse assign to this victim?

  1. Delayed (Yellow)Answer
  2. B
    Immediate (Red)
  3. C
    Minimal (Green)
  4. D
    Expectant (Black)

Answer

Delayed (Yellow)
According to the START method, victims who cannot walk but have a respiratory rate under 30 breaths per minute, a palpable radial pulse, and the ability to obey simple commands are classified as Delayed (Yellow). They require medical attention but are stable enough to wait while immediate life threats are managed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess ability to walk.
The victim is unable to walk.
This rules out the Minimal (Green) category, which is strictly for the 'walking wounded'.
2
Assess respiratory rate.
The respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute.
A rate less than 30 breaths per minute is stable, prompting the nurse to move to the next assessment step (perfusion).
3
Assess perfusion.
A strong radial pulse is present.
Adequate circulation is confirmed, prompting the nurse to move to the final assessment step (mental status).
4
Assess mental status.
The victim can follow the command to squeeze a hand.
Because respirations, perfusion, and mental status are all within acceptable parameters but the victim cannot walk, they are categorized as Delayed (Yellow).

Key Concept

Disaster Triage (START Method)
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Topics

Emergency Response Plan

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