In which situation would a nurse perform triage?

Triage is a process used in emergency situations to prioritize patient care based on the severity of their condition. In scenarios where multiple patients are present, such as in a mass casualty incident or major disaster, the nurse assesses each patient's needs to determine the order in which they should receive treatment. The goal is to ensure that those who are most critically injured or ill receive care first, which can significantly impact survival and recovery rates. This systematic approach is crucial for effective emergency management, making it essential for nurses and other healthcare providers in acute care settings.

In contrast, discharging a patient does not involve assessing urgent medical needs against others, and evaluating an individual's medication needs is typically a one-on-one situation without the urgency present in triage. Similarly, patient education focuses on teaching and informing patients about their health but does not pertain to crisis management or prioritization of care in a situation involving multiple patients.