Telephone triage

Question 1

What should you initially focus on when trying to triage a patient over the phone?

Answer 1

The major body systems

Question 1

Name 6 triage categories that would be labelled ‘immediate’

Answer 1

Respiratory distress
Active bleeding
Shock
Seizing
Active abdominal distension
Unresponsive

Question 2

Name 6 triage categories that would be labelled ‘very urgent’

Answer 2

Toxin exposure
Weakness
Pain
Urethral obstruction
Active labour
Pale mucous membranes

Question 3

Name 5 triage categories that would be labelled ‘urgent’

Answer 3

Neurological deficits
Fractures
Wounds
Persistent vomiting
Malaena

Question 4

How should cats, small mammals, birds and exotics be transported to the practice?

Answer 4

Placed carefully in appropriate cages or baskets, which should be covered to reduce stress

Question 5

How can a large dog who is non-ambulatory or who is in respiratory distress or collapsed be transported to the practice?

Answer 5

Duvet or blanket