A community health nurse is working as part of a team providing care during a disaster involving an explosion. The nurse is working to triage victims. Which victim would the nurse categorize as green?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A victim categorized as green is experiencing minor injuries and often is referred to as the walking wounded. Victims in this category have sustained minor injury or are presenting with minimal signs of illness (e.g., a conscious victim with superficial cuts, scrapes, and bruises). Prolonged delay in care most likely will not adversely affect their long-term outcome. A victim categorized as red is considered urgent or critical and has injuries or medical problems that will likely lead to death if not treated immediately. An unconscious person with signs of internal and external bleeding would fit this category. A victim categorized as yellow or delayed has injuries that will require medical attention (e.g., a conscious victim with a fractured femur); however, time to medical treatment is not yet critical. A victim categorized as black is obviously dead or has suffered mortal wounds because of which death is imminent (e.g., an unconscious victim with an open skull fracture with brain matter showing). Lifesaving heroics on this group of victims will only delay medical care on more viable victims.

A Community Health Nurse Is Working as Part of a Team