Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

In a mass casualty incident, which client should receive care first?

1. A client experiencing severe chest pain

2. A client with a closed fracture

3. A client with significant full-thickness burns

4. A client with tension pneumothorax

The correct answer is: A client with tension pneumothorax

In a mass casualty incident, the principle of triage is employed to determine which patients require immediate care based on the severity of their conditions. The focus is primarily on identifying life-threatening situations that can lead to rapid deterioration if not addressed promptly. A client with tension pneumothorax is experiencing a condition where air becomes trapped in the pleural cavity, leading to increased pressure that can collapse the lung and impede blood flow to the heart. This situation can quickly become life-threatening, causing respiratory distress and cardiovascular compromise if not treated urgently. Addressing tension pneumothorax often involves relieving the pressure through procedures such as needle decompression, which can stabilize the patient and improve their chances of survival. In contrast, while severe chest pain, full-thickness burns, and closed fractures can be serious, they do not typically present the same immediate risk of rapid decline in a mass casualty context. Therefore, prioritizing the patient with tension pneumothorax aligns with the critical goals of triage, focusing on interventions that can save lives in acute emergencies.