A patient with bilateral femur fractures from a tornado is disoriented and has delayed capillary refill. What is the most appropriate intervention based on disaster triage principles?

A patient with bilateral femur fractures from a tornado is disoriented and has delayed capillary refill. What is the most appropriate intervention based on disaster triage principles?

• A. Apply a tourniquet to both legs
• B. Initiate two large caliber intravenous lines for isotonic crystalloid administration
• C. Administer pain medications
• D. Provide immediate blood transfusions

Answer: (B)

In the context of disaster triage principles, the most appropriate intervention for a patient with bilateral femur fractures who is disoriented and exhibits delayed capillary refill is the initiation of two large caliber intravenous lines for isotonic crystalloid administration. This approach is crucial in a disaster scenario where the patient may be experiencing significant hemorrhagic shock due to fractures and potential internal bleeding. Rapid fluid resuscitation with isotonic crystalloids helps restore circulating blood volume, improve perfusion, and stabilize the patient’s condition. Maintaining adequate blood pressure and perfusion is vital in preventing further deterioration, especially in a scenario where resources may be limited. Administering pain medications is important in managing the patient's comfort, but it does not address the immediate need for fluid resuscitation and stabilization of vital signs. Similarly, while providing immediate blood transfusions could be beneficial in severe cases of hemorrhage, it is typically reserved for specific scenarios where rapid response to life-threatening blood loss is indicated. In the absence of clear evidence of significant bleeding requiring immediate transfusion, starting with fluid resuscitation is the appropriate first step in managing shock. Lastly, applying a tourniquet to both legs would not be appropriate given the nature of fractures alone, as it could cause

In the context of disaster triage principles, the most appropriate intervention for a patient with bilateral femur fractures who is disoriented and exhibits delayed capillary refill is the initiation of two large caliber intravenous lines for isotonic crystalloid administration.

This approach is crucial in a disaster scenario where the patient may be experiencing significant hemorrhagic shock due to fractures and potential internal bleeding. Rapid fluid resuscitation with isotonic crystalloids helps restore circulating blood volume, improve perfusion, and stabilize the patient’s condition. Maintaining adequate blood pressure and perfusion is vital in preventing further deterioration, especially in a scenario where resources may be limited.

Administering pain medications is important in managing the patient's comfort, but it does not address the immediate need for fluid resuscitation and stabilization of vital signs. Similarly, while providing immediate blood transfusions could be beneficial in severe cases of hemorrhage, it is typically reserved for specific scenarios where rapid response to life-threatening blood loss is indicated. In the absence of clear evidence of significant bleeding requiring immediate transfusion, starting with fluid resuscitation is the appropriate first step in managing shock. Lastly, applying a tourniquet to both legs would not be appropriate given the nature of fractures alone, as it could cause