Betty Lopez was in a minor car accident and reports multiple cuts and abrasions but is stable. What is her acuity level?

In the context of emergency medical services, acuity levels are used to classify patients based on the severity of their condition and the urgency with which they require medical intervention. Betty Lopez, in this scenario, has been involved in a minor car accident and presents with multiple cuts and abrasions. Her condition is described as stable, which indicates that she is not experiencing life-threatening issues that would require immediate attention.

Acuity level 3 signifies patients who have non-life-threatening conditions but still require medical attention within a reasonable timeframe. This includes situations like the one Betty is experiencing—she has injuries that need evaluation and possibly treatment, but they do not indicate an immediate risk to her life.

In contrast, acuity levels 1 and 2 would be assigned to cases involving critical or highly urgent situations, where immediate medical attention is necessary. Acuity level 4 is typically reserved for patients with minor complaints or very low-risk conditions that require little to no urgent management.

Given that Betty’s injuries are considered stable and of a minor nature, classifying her acuity level as 3 aligns well with the standard definitions used in emergency medical settings. This classification acknowledges that while her condition requires care, it does not demand the highest levels of intervention or urgency.