Which patients are given priority in triage, according to the passage? (Passage: The ethics of triage)
In an emergency department overwhelmed by casualties, clinicians use triage to decide who is treated first. Patients are not seen in order of arrival; instead, those whose lives are at immediate risk but who can be saved are prioritised. Patients who are very likely to die even with treatment may be given comfort care so that limited resources go to those who can benefit. Critics say such a system fails individuals, while defenders argue that in a mass-casualty event the duty to the whole group must outweigh the claim of any one patient.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Those at immediate risk of death who can be saved
- Step 1: Identify the priority group. Step 2. The passage describes prioritising those at immediate risk who can be saved. Answer: Those at immediate risk of death who can be saved. Why not the others: Arrival order is rejected; the third group gets comfort care; minor injuries are not prioritised.
Practise more Short passages and comprehension (set 2).
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