During mass casualty triage, which patient is the best candidate for discharge to free beds for more critically injured individuals?

During mass casualty triage, which patient is the best candidate for discharge to free beds for more critically injured individuals?

• A. Dehydrated patient on IV fluids
• B. Patient with a small-bowel obstruction via NG tube
• C. Patient who is scheduled for elective surgery
• D. Patient with acute appendicitis awaiting surgery

Answer: (C)

In a mass casualty situation, the aim is to keep beds and resources available for those with immediate, life-threatening needs, so stable patients whose issues can safely be postponed are candidates for discharge or downgrading care. The patient scheduled for elective surgery fits this: there is no current urgent medical problem requiring admission, and the elective procedure can be postponed until resources are available again, freeing a bed for someone in danger of deterioration. The other scenarios involve conditions that still require inpatient monitoring or potential urgent intervention—dehydration on IV fluids needs ongoing treatment, a small-bowel obstruction with an NG tube may worsen and needs surgical evaluation, and acute appendicitis awaiting surgery poses a risk of progression if delayed.

In a mass casualty situation, the aim is to keep beds and resources available for those with immediate, life-threatening needs, so stable patients whose issues can safely be postponed are candidates for discharge or downgrading care. The patient scheduled for elective surgery fits this: there is no current urgent medical problem requiring admission, and the elective procedure can be postponed until resources are available again, freeing a bed for someone in danger of deterioration. The other scenarios involve conditions that still require inpatient monitoring or potential urgent intervention—dehydration on IV fluids needs ongoing treatment, a small-bowel obstruction with an NG tube may worsen and needs surgical evaluation, and acute appendicitis awaiting surgery poses a risk of progression if delayed.