ESI Triage Pretest

€�I think I picked up a bug overseas,” reports a 34-year-old male who presented in the emergency department complaining of frequent watery stools and abdominal cramping. “I think I am getting dehydrated.” T 98F, RR 22, HR 112, BP 120/80, SpO2 100%. His lips are dry and cracked.

€�My pain medications are not working anymore. Last night I couldn’t sleep because the pain was so bad,” reports a 47-year-old female with metastatic ovarian cancer. “My husband called my oncologist, and he told me to come to the emergency department.” The patient rates her pain as a 9/10. Vital signs are within normal limits.

A 48-year-old male tells you that he has a history of kidney stones and thinks he has another one. He has right costovertebral angle pain that radiates around to the front and into his groin. He is nauseous but tells you he took a pain pill, and right now he has minimal pain. He denies vomiting. T98F, RR 16, HR 80, BP 136/74, SpO2 100%, Pain 3/10.

A 46-year-old asthmatic in significant respiratory distress presents via ambulance. The paramedics report that the patient began wheezing earlier in the day and had been using her inhaler with no relief. On her last admission for asthma, she was intubated. Vital signs: RR 44, SpO2 93% on room air, HR 98, BP 154/60. The patient is able to answer your questions about allergies and medications.

A 56-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of late-stage non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was brought to the ED from the oncology clinic. He told his oncologist that he had facial and bilateral arm swelling and increasing shortness of breath. The patient also reports that his symptoms are worse if he lays down. Vital signs: BP 146/92, HR 122, RR 38, SpO2 88% on room air, temperature normal.

Paramedics arrive with a 63-year-old male with a history of a myocardial infarction 4 years ago who is complaining of chest pressure that started an hour ago. The field EKG shows ST elevation in the anterior lateral leads. Currently the patient’s heart rate is 106, BP 72/53, SpO2 is 95% on a non-rebreather mask. His skin is cool and clammy.

€�I had a knee replacement 3 months ago. Now look at it!” states a 64-year-old male. The knee is red, swollen, and tender to touch. Vital signs: T99F, RR 20, HR 74, SpO2 97%, pain 6/10.

€�This is so embarrassing,” reports a 29-year-old male. “For the last 12 hours, I have had this thing stuck in my rectum. I have tried and tried to get it out with no success. Can someone help me?” The patient denies abdominal pain or tenderness. Vital signs are within normal limits. Pain 4/10.

EMS arrives with a 67-year-old female who lives alone. The patient called 911 because she was too sick to get herself to the doctor. The patient has had a fever and cough for 3 days. She reports coughing up thick green phlegm and is concerned that she has pneumonia. She denies shortness of breath. Past medical history HTN, T102F, RR 28, HR 86, BP140/72, SpO2 94%.

€�I woke up this morning, and there was a bat flying around our bedroom. Scared me half to death, and now I am so worried about rabies,” an anxious 48-year-old female tells you. “My husband opened the window, and the bat flew out.” Past medical history of ovarian cysts, no meds or allergies, vital signs are within normal limits.

€�I woke up this morning, and my eyes are all red and crusty,” reports a 29-year-old kindergarten teacher. “I think I got it from the kids at school,” she tells you. She denies pain or other visual disturbances. Her vital signs are within normal limits.

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