Emergency Department Triage Assessment Checklist
Comprehensive emergency department triage assessment using Emergency Severity Index methodology for accurate patient acuity classification.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Every ED patient
- Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
- Role: Triage Nurse
- Total Items: 31
- Compliance: ESI Triage Algorithm, ENA Standards, Joint Commission ED Standards
Chief Complaint
Presenting problem
- Chief complaint documented?
- Onset and duration documented?
- Associated symptoms assessed?
Vital Signs
Initial vitals
- All vital signs obtained?
- Pain level assessed?
- Blood glucose checked if indicated?
ESI Assessment
Acuity determination
- Life-threatening condition assessed?
- High-risk situation identified?
- Resource utilization estimated?
- ESI level assigned?
Additional Assessment
History and allergies
- Allergies documented?
- Current medications documented?
- Pertinent medical history documented?
Pre-Assessment Information
Initial assessment documentation and patient/facility identification
- Assessor Name / Credentials
- Assessment Date
- Department / Unit
- Assessment Type (Routine/Annual/Complaint)
- Previous assessment findings reviewed?
Infection Prevention & Control
Verify infection control practices per CDC and Joint Commission standards
- Hand hygiene compliance observed?
- Appropriate PPE available and properly used?
- Isolation precautions properly implemented?
- Sharps containers available and not overfilled?
- High-touch surfaces properly disinfected?
Patient Safety & Identification
Verify patient safety protocols and identification procedures
- Two patient identifiers used before procedures?
- Fall risk assessment completed?
- Call light within patient reach?
- Bed in lowest position with brakes locked?
Medication Safety & Management
Verify medication handling and administration practices
- Medications stored securely and at proper temperature?
- Controlled substances properly secured and counted?
- No expired medications in stock?
- High-alert medications properly labeled?
Related Healthcare Checklists
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- Contrast Media Administration Safety Checklist
- Blood Glucose Monitoring Protocol Checklist
- Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) Checklist
- PCA Monitoring Checklist
- Environmental Services Patient Room Cleaning Checklist
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Review Checklist
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Why Use This Emergency Department Triage Assessment Checklist?
This emergency department triage assessment checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for triage nurse professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: every ed patient.
Ensures compliance with ESI Triage Algorithm, ENA Standards, Joint Commission ED Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Emergency Department Triage Assessment Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 8 sections: Chief Complaint, Vital Signs, ESI Assessment, Additional Assessment, Pre-Assessment Information, Infection Prevention & Control, Patient Safety & Identification, Medication Safety & Management. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed every ed patient. Each completion takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Who should use this Emergency Department Triage Assessment Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Triage Nurse professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.