During disaster triage, which patient should receive immediate priority for treatment?

Correct answer: C. A patient with severe breathing difficulty and cyanosis

  • A. A patient with a closed ankle fracture and normal breathing
  • B. A patient with minor burns who walks independently
  • C. A patient with severe breathing difficulty and cyanosis
  • D. A patient with a superficial scalp wound and stable vital signs

Explanation

Severe breathing difficulty and cyanosis indicate an immediate threat to life under the ABCDE approach. The other patients have injuries that appear stable and can wait for assessment after airway and breathing emergencies are managed.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Critical Care and Emergency Nursing

Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.

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