A nurse has been assigned to an internal disaster drill team and is triaging clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse classify with a green tag?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Multiple facial lacerations, if not affecting airway or causing severe bleeding, are minor injuries in triage (green tag). These clients can wait for treatment without immediate risk, aligning with disaster triage principles, making this the correct classification. Choice B reason: A puncture wound to the lung is life-threatening, potentially causing pneumothorax or hemothorax, requiring urgent intervention (red tag). This is not a minor injury, so it does not qualify for a green tag, making it incorrect. Choice C reason: Full-thickness burns over the lower extremities are severe, requiring immediate fluid resuscitation and specialized care (red or yellow tag). These are not minor injuries, so this client does not fit green tag criteria, making it incorrect. Choice D reason: An open compound fracture of the humerus is a significant injury with risks of infection and bleeding, requiring prompt surgical intervention (yellow or red tag). It is not minor, so it does not qualify for a green tag, making it incorrect.