Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) method is the most appropriate triage system for mass casualty incidents or sudden surges in patient volume. It quickly categorizes patients into four groups based on their ability to walk, respiratory rate, and mental status. This allows for rapid assessment and prioritization of care.

While the ESI (Emergency Severity Index) is an excellent triage tool for everyday emergency department use, it may be too time-consuming in a mass casualty situation. The Manchester Triage System, although effective, is also more detailed and may slow down the triage process when rapid assessment is crucial. The Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) is another valid triage system but is not specifically designed for mass casualty incidents.