Four clients have arrived in the Emergency Department for treatment and care. Rick Rescue, RN is working the triage desk. Which client is the highest priority?
Explanation
Answer: A - Although the client complaining of epigastric pain and nausea may simply be experiencing heartburn, she could also be experiencing a myocardial infarction. The nurse’s role as triage nurse in the Emergency Department is to perform quick, accurate assessments to prioritize client needs (urgent and non-urgent). Clients with chest pain, respiratory distress, and trauma might be experiencing life-threatening events, and are first priority.
