418-M3-CU15 Triage, Severity Indices, and Other Emergencies
418-M3-CU15 Triage, Severity Indices, and Other Emergencies
418-M3-CU15 Triage, Severity Indices, and Other Emergencies
At the end of the end of this unit, the students are expected to:
1. Recognize and examine the client with life-threatening conditions, acutely ill/ multi-organ
problems, high acuity and emergency through triage and severity indices.
2. Determine a client’s the health status/ competence through triage and severity indices and/or
expected outcomes of nurse –client working relationship.
3. Record client’s responses / nursing care services rendered and processes / outcomes of the
nurse client working relationship.
4. Ensure completeness, integrity, safety, accessibility, and security of information.
5. Adhere to protocols of confidentiality in safekeeping and releasing of records and other
information.
6. Evaluate the client’s health status / competence through triage and severity indices and/or
expected outcomes of nurse-client working relationship.
Burns, S. M., & Delgado, S. A. (2019). AACN essentials of critical care nursing. New York:
McGraw-Hill Education.
Crouch, R., Charters, A., Dawood, M., & Bennett, P. (2017). Oxford handbook of emergency
nursing. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press.
Triage – derived from old French word “trier” which means “to sort” and known as the process of
determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition.
− A process for sorting injured people into groups based on their need for or likely benefit from
immediate medical treatment; an ongoing process done many times
− Used in hospital emergency rooms, on battlefields, and at disaster sites when limited medical
resources must be allocated
− Focus: To do as little as possible for the greatest number in the shortest period of time (Famorca,
2013); 75-85% of fatalities occur within first 20 minutes
Triage Methods
1. M.A.S.S. – Move, Assess, Sort, Send
− Starts the process by clearing the ‘walking wounded’ using verbal instructions
2. S.A.L.T. – Sort, Assess. Life-threatening intervention(s), Treat and Transport
3. S.T.A.R.T. – Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (Jump START for Pediatrics)
− Rapid approach to triaging large numbers of causalities
− To assess the victims / patients and their injuries
− Fast, easy to use and to remember (RPM = 30-2-Can Do)
− Allows the best for the most patients with the least amount of resources
Management
− Primary goal: to reduce the high temperature as quickly as possible because mortality is directly
related to the duration of hyperthermia
− Simultaneous treatment focuses on stabilizing oxygenation using the ABCs of basic life support.
− Remove patient’s clothing and reduce the core (internal) temperature to 39°C (102°F) as rapidly
as possible
− One or more of the following methods may be used as directed:
✓ Cool sheets and towels or continuous sponging with cool water
✓ Ice applied to the neck, groin, chest, and axillae while spraying with tepid water
✓ Cooling blankets
✓ Iced saline lavage of the stomach or colon if the temperature does not decrease
✓ Immersion of the patient in a cold-water bath (if possible)
- During cooling, the patient is massaged to promote circulation and maintain cutaneous
vasodilation. An electric fan is positioned so that it blows on the patient to augment heat
dissipation by convection and evaporation. The patient’s temperature is constantly monitored
with a thermistor placed in the rectum, bladder, or esophagus to evaluate core temperature.
II. Near-Drowning
- Survival for at least 24 hours after submersion into liquid (usually water)
- One of the leading causes of unintentional death in children < 14 years
old (WHO, 2020)
- Most common consequence = hypoxemia
Risk Factors:
- Age and gender (males)
- Access to water (flood, travelling on water, tourists unfamiliar with local water risks and features,
diving injuries)
- Alcohol ingestion (near or in water), inability to swim, hypothermia, exhaustion
- Medical conditions (i.e. epilepsy)
Resultant pathophysiologic changes and pulmonary injury depend on the type of fluid
(fresh or salt water) and the volume aspirated. Fresh water aspiration results in a loss of
lung surfactant. Saltwater aspiration leads to pulmonary edema from the osmotic effects
of the salt within the lung.
Management
- Goal: successful resuscitation with full neurologic recovery has occurred (possible due to
decrease in metabolic demands or the diving reflex)
- Maintain cerebral perfusion and adequate oxygenation / prevention of hypoxia
- Primary problems post-resuscitation: hypoxia and acidosis (require immediate intervention in the
ED)
- Immediate CPR (greatest influence on survival)
- Ensure an adequate airway and respiration, thus improving ventilation (to correct respiratory
acidosis) and oxygenation.
1. ABGs – to determine the type of ventilatory support needed
2. ET intubation with positive pressure ventilation (with PEEP) – to improve oxygenation,
prevents aspiration, and corrects intrapulmonary shunting and ventilation (perfusion
abnormalities caused by aspiration of water)
3. Rectal probe – to determine the degree of hypothermia
4. Rewarming procedures (eg, extracorporeal warming, warmed peritoneal dialysis, inhalation
of warm aerosolized oxygen, torso warming) – started during resuscitation and determined
by the severity and duration of hypothermia and available resources
5. Intravascular volume expansion and inotropic agents – to manage hypotension and impaired
tissue perfusion
6. ECG monitoring – dysrhythmias frequently occur
7. Indwelling urinary catheter – to measure urine output
8. NGT – to decompress the stomach and to prevent gastric-content aspiration
Complications:
1. Hypoxic or ischemic cerebral injury
2. ARDS, pulmonary damage secondary to aspiration
3. Cardiac arrest
III. Poisoning
Poison is any substance when ingested, inhaled, absorbed, applied to the skin, or
produced within the body in relatively small amounts, injures the body by its chemical
action. Poisoning from inhalation and ingestion of toxic materials, both intentional and
unintentional, constitutes a major health hazard and an emergency situation.
Clinical manifestations
➢ generalized urticaria; itching
➢ malaise
➢ anxiety due to laryngeal edema to severe bronchospasm, shock, and death.
Generally, the shorter the time between the sting and the onset of severe
symptoms, the worse the prognosis.
Management
a. stinger removal if the bite is from a bee (venom is associated with sacs around the
barb of the stinger itself)
b. Wound care with soap and water is sufficient for stings (scratching is avoided as this
results to histamine response)
c. Ice application – reduces swelling and venom absorption.
d. Oral antihistamine and analgesic – to decrease the itching and pain
e. Epinephrine
− in the case of an anaphylactic or severe allergic response
− epinephrine (aqueous) is injected SC
− injection site is massaged to hasten absorption.
f. Monitor for signs and symptoms of anaphylactic reaction and treated as necessary
g. Desensitization therapy for people who have had systemic or significant local
reactions.
h. Patient and family education is an important measure in preventing exposure to
stinging insects.
2. Snake Bites
Snakes bite either to capture prey or for self-defense. But since there
are so many different types of snakes — including both venomous and non-
venomous — not every snake bite is created equal (CDC, n.d.).
Management:
Measures are instituted to remove the toxin or decrease its absorption.
➢ Measures are instituted to stabilize cardiovascular and other body functions (treatment of
shock)
➢ Control of the airway, ventilation, and oxygenation are essential.
➢ ECG, vital signs, and neurologic status are monitored closely for changes.
➢ An indwelling urinary catheter is inserted to monitor renal function.
➢ Blood specimens are obtained to test for concentration of drug or poison.
➢ Efforts are initiated to determine what substance was taken (including amount and time
since ingestion)
➢ Water or milk to drink for dilution is given (for those who have ingested corrosive poisons);
however, dilution is not attempted if the patient has acute airway edema or obstruction or
if there is clinical evidence of esophageal, gastric, or intestinal burn or perforation.
➢ Gastric emptying procedures may be used as prescribed:
o Syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting in the alert patient
o Gastric lavage for the obtunded patient Gastric aspirate is saved and sent to the
laboratory for testing (toxicology screens)
o Activated charcoal administration if poison is one that is absorbed by charcoal
o Cathartic, when appropriate
FOOD POISONING – a sudden illness that occurs after ingestion of contaminated food or
drink. Botulism is a serious form of food poisoning that requires continual surveillance.
Management
➢ Key – determining the source and type of food poisoning (if possible, the suspected food
should be brought to the medical facility and a history obtained from the patient or family)
➢ Specimen for examination: Food, gastric contents (i.e. vomitus), serum, feces
➢ Monitoring: RR, BP, LOC, CVP (if indicated), muscular activity, fluid & electrolyte balance
➢ Antiemetic – administered parenterally as prescribed, if the patient cannot tolerate fluids
or medications by mouth
➢ Mild nausea – take sips of weak tea, carbonated drinks, or tap water
➢ After nausea and vomiting subside, clear liquids are usually prescribed 12 to 24 hours
➢ Diet progressed to a low-residue, bland diet
C. Inhaled Poisons
1. CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
- may occur as a result of industrial or household incidents or attempted suicide
- implicated in more deaths than any other toxin except alcohol
- exerts its toxic effect by binding to circulating hemoglobin and thereby reducing the
oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- Carboxyhemoglobin (carbon monoxide–bound hemoglobin) absorbs carbon
monoxide 200 times more readily than it absorbs oxygen and does not transport
oxygen.
Clinical Manifestations:
1. Appears intoxicated (from cerebral hypoxia)
2. Headache, dizziness, confusion
3. muscular weakness
4. palpitation
5. coma
6. Skin color - pink or cherry-red to cyanotic and pale (but may not be always reliable)
Pulse oximetry is not valid, because the hemoglobin is well saturated. It is not
saturated with oxygen, but the pulse oximeter reads the saturation as such and
presents the false impression that the patient is well oxygenated and in no danger.
Management
▪ Exposure to carbon monoxide requires immediate treatment.
▪ Goals: to reverse cerebral and myocardial hypoxia and to hasten elimination of carbon
monoxide.
▪ Whenever a patient inhales a poison, the following general measures apply:
o Expose to fresh air immediately (i.e. open all doors and windows)
o Loosen all tight clothing
o Initiate CPR if required
o Prevent chilling – wrap the patient in blankets
o Keep the patient as quiet as possible
o Do not give alcohol in any form
o Carboxyhemoglobin levels are analyzed on arrival at the ED and before treatment with
oxygen if possible
o Oxygenation:
- 100% oxygen is administered at atmospheric or hyperbaric pressures to reverse
hypoxia and accelerate the elimination of carbon monoxide
- Oxygen is administered until the carboxyhemoglobin level is less than 5%.
o The patient is monitored continuously.
o Psychoses, spastic paralysis, ataxia, visual disturbances, and deterioration of mental
status and behavior may persist after resuscitation and may be symptoms of
permanent brain damage.
Management
1. Identity and characterize chemical agent for future treatment
2. The skin should be drenched immediately with running water from a shower, hose, or
faucet.
3. The skin of health care personnel assisting the patient should be appropriately protected
if the burn is extensive or if the agent is significantly toxic or is still present.
4. Prolonged lavage with generous amounts of tepid water is important.
5. Antimicrobial treatment
6. Debridement
7. Tetanus prophylaxis
8. Plastic surgery for further wound management
9. The patient is instructed to have the affected area reexamined at 24 hours, 72 hours, and
in 7 days because of the risk for underestimating the extent and depth of these types of
injuries.
Triage – the assignment of degrees of urgency to wounds or illnesses to decide the order of
treatment of a large number of patients or casualties
Heat stroke – occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature
Near-drowning – the victim is rescued before the point of death or there is temporary survival
Emergency Nurses Association. (2019). Sheehy’s Manual of Emergency Care, 7th ed. St. Louis:
Elsevier Mosby.
Study Questions:
There has been an explosion and it is a mass casualty incident. Triage the following clients.
Determine the appropriate color tag and the corresponding ESI category.
1. Levi is a 25-year-old-male. He is able to follow commands but has trouble hearing. His capillary
refill is <2 seconds, radial pulse is nonexistent, can’t move due to a compound left femur fracture,
respirations are >30cpm and he is coughing. What color tag is he and why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. Mikasa is a 21-year-old-female. She can follow commands but is scared. Her capillary refill is
<2 seconds, has a radial pulse, respirations are < 30cpm with shortness of breath. She has a
sudden onset of chest pain. What color tag is she and why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. Annie is a 35-year-old-female. She is alert, glossy sheen to exposed skin, capillary refill is <2
seconds, respirations 16cpm, a cut right forearm, minimal bleeding, some white glowing powder
seen on casualty. What color tag is she and why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
4. Eren, a 51 year old, installing a ceiling fan assisted by his friend. He was thrown back and his
friend immediately switched off the power and called an ambulance. B2 had a brief period of
loss of consciousness, alert when the ambulance arrived, in and out of consciousness during the
trip to the ED. BP = 150/90mmHg, PR = 88bpm, RR 20cpm, O2 sat = 96% HR = 110bpm, RR =
40cpm, O2 sat = 91%
Tag color = ___________________________ ESI category = ___________
Rationale for color tag and ESI category:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. Armin, a 7-year old, an Ilocano speaking child, is brought to the ED in her father’s car. You are
called to assist her to get out of the car. The father tells you she is “very sick” and you noted that
she is able to transfer to a wheelchair with minimal assistance but cringes and cries out when
her hips are moved. According to her father, she fell from her upper double deck bed in their
house. HR = 110bpm, RR = 40cpm, O2 sat = 91%
Tag color = ___________________________ ESI category = ___________
Rationale for color tag and ESI category:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Crouch, R., Charters, A., Dawood, M., & Bennett, P. (2017). Oxford
handbook of emergency nursing. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford
University Press.
Emergency Nurses Association. (2019). Sheehy’s Manual of Emergency Care, 7th ed. St. Louis:
Elsevier Mosby.
Famorca, Z, Nies, M., McEwen, M. (2013). Nursing Care of the Community: A comprehensive
text on community and public health nursing in the Philippines. Singapore: Elsevier Pte Ltd
Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). (2018). First aid for snake bite: What to do when
bitten by a snake. https://ritm.gov.ph/first-aid-for-snake-bite-what-to-do-when-bitten-by-a-
snake/
Schumacher, L., & Chernecky, C. C. (2010). Saunders nursing survival guide: critical care &
emergency nursing. St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Saunders.