Emergency Nursing

Question 1

what is category 1 of the emergency severity index?

Answer 1

emergent/ resuscitation - immediate threat to life or limb

cardiac arrest
respiratory arrest
major trauma
active seizure
unresponsive trauma patient

Question 2

what is category 2 of the emergency severity index?

Answer 2

emergent - imminent threat to life or limb if not treated quickly

airway risk
poor perfusion
stroke
testicular torsion
severe pain indicative of high risk condition
decreased LOC
sepsis risk
severe infectious disease
unstable VS

Question 3

what is category 3 of the emergency severity index?

Answer 3

urgent - needs treatment but time is not a major factor

moderate SOB
vomiting
post-ictal
head injury w/o LOC
limb injury w/ deformity
behavioral issues

Question 4

what is category 4 of the emergency severity index?

Answer 4

less urgent - low risk

limb trauma w/o deformity (fracture)
moderate pain
minor laceration
abscess that requires drainage

Question 5

what is category 5 of the emergency severity index?

Answer 5

non-urgent

minimal pain
minor abrasion
med refills
poison ivy
URI with stable VS
toothache

Question 6

what are the components of triage

Answer 6

1. quick visual assessment of appearance, work of breathing, circulation
2. gather information about complaint, VS, what/when/where/how, immunizations, drug use
3. synthesize = physical assessment, classify accuity
4. return to waiting room for low acuity, bring to treatment area for high acuity

Question 7

what is done in the assessment and intervention phase of emergency nursing?

Answer 7

assess, stabilize, then transfer via discharge or admission

anticipate needed labs

monitor response to interventions