North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

In triage, what condition would require immediate attention?

1. Minor injuries

2. Respiratory distress

3. Stable vital signs

4. Psychological evaluation

The correct answer is: Respiratory distress

Respiratory distress is a condition that necessitates immediate attention during triage because it directly affects a patient's ability to breathe and maintain adequate oxygenation. In emergency medical situations, the airway, breathing, and circulation are prioritized, often referred to as the ABCs of emergency care. When a patient exhibits respiratory distress, whether due to obstruction, asthma, pneumonia, or another cause, they may rapidly deteriorate without prompt intervention. Recognizing and addressing respiratory compromise is crucial since it can lead to severe complications, including respiratory failure or cardiac arrest if not managed swiftly. In triage scenarios, patients displaying signs of breathlessness, use of accessory muscles for breathing, altered mental status due to hypoxia, or a significantly increased respiratory rate should be categorized as high priority. In contrast, minor injuries, stable vital signs, and psychological evaluations do not typically present an immediate threat to life or necessitate urgent care. These cases can be managed after more critical medical needs are addressed, which is why they are deprioritized in a triage setting.