Which client would the emergency department triage nurse classify as emergent?

4.   A client with crushing substernal pain who is short of breath

Any chest pain is considered emergent.

Displaced fractures are not an emergency; temperatures are only an emergency when > 106

answer is 4



 A triage method commonly used in the emergency department consists of three categories: emergent, urgent, and nonurgent. The emergent category implies that a condition exists that poses an immediate threat to life or limb; an example of a client who fits into this category is the client experiencing crushing substernal pain who is short of breath. The urgent category indicates that the client should be treated quickly but that an immediate threat to life does not exist at the moment. The client with a displaced fracture and the client with a temperature of 101° F would fit into this category. The nonurgent category indicates that the client can generally tolerate waiting several hours for health care services without a significant risk of clinical deterioration. The client with a simple laceration and soft tissue injury would fit into this category.

Strategy for this question on a test: Focus on the strategic word “emergent.” This word indicates that the client needs immediate treatment. This will direct you to “a client with crushing substernal pain who is short of breath.”

Any chest pain is considered emergent.

A, B, C's....airway, breathing, and circulation

Here's a small trick to know what's more emergent, shortness of breath lead to oxygen deficiency, just imagine how long you can hold your breath. Oxygen is vital so therefore should be the most emergent. A small trick that I always use is put your self in the situation and think about the consequences if nothing is being done early, that's how you can figure out whether it's an emergency.