Question

3. Find telephone triage. Examples of four different incoming telephone calls and how you would triage each call.

Answer 1

Telephone triage is a conversational assessment done by a medical professional usually a registered nurse. Nurse assesses the patient's symptoms or health concerns and offers advices accordingly

According to disease based protocol

Example 1: A mother calling to get advice for her 10 year old male boy who has complains of red, scaly rashes that itch and burns with an unpleasant odor involving instead of foot

Triage: first aid: advice to keep feet clean and dry and to wear clean absorbent socks( cotton)

And then can be adviced to see in office within 2-3days

Example 2: A 45years old male who is a known case of bronchial asthma complains of wheeze and breathing difficulty of acute on set

Triage: Nurse should take in the medical history of the patient and on what treatment regimen he is on. If the patient is on rotahaler or inhaler advice to take the prescribed dosage and to go to nearby emergency department right away

Example 3:

A young lady who is pregnant with 10weeks of gestation complains of morning sickness

Triage: home care or self care

Advice the patient to eat crackers and jam 30mins before arising from bed. And see her doctor within 2 weeks

Example 4:

A 22years male, who was recently diagnosed to have ear infection want to know his follow up dates as he has completed the course of antibiotic regimen

Triage: self care. If his symptoms has resolved self care would be enough and can review if necessary.