HESI Fundamentals Exam Related

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In a mass casualty scenario at a child day care center, which child would the triage nurse prioritize for treatment last?

  • A. An infant with intermittent bulging anterior fontanel between crying episodes
  • B. A toddler with severe deep abrasions covering over 98% of the body
  • C. A preschooler with 1 lower leg fracture and the other leg with an upper leg fracture
  • D. A school-age child with singed eyebrows and hair on the arms
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In a mass casualty scenario, the triage nurse would prioritize the toddler with severe deep abrasions covering over 98% of the body for treatment last. This child is categorized as 'expectant' due to the extensive injuries, which are unlikely to be survivable even with immediate treatment. The other choices describe injuries that are serious but have a higher likelihood of survival with appropriate and timely intervention. The infant with an intermittent bulging anterior fontanel may have increased intracranial pressure requiring urgent evaluation, the preschooler with leg fractures can be stabilized and treated effectively, and the school-age child with singed hair likely has superficial burns which can be managed promptly.