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Emergency Severity Index (ESI) Implementation Handbook, 2012 Edition

Table 6-3. Examples of ESI Level-2 Conditions

Syncope
Immunocompromised patients with fever
Hemophilia patients with possible acute bleeds

  • Joint pain or swelling.
  • History of fall or injury.
  • Vital signs and/or mental status outside of baseline.

Febrile infant <28 days of age with fever ≥38.0°C rectal
Hypothermic infants <90 days of age with temperature <36.5°C rectal
Suicidality
Rule out meningitis (headache/stiff neck/fever/lethargy/irritability)
Seizures—prolonged postictal period (altered level of consciousness)
Moderate to severe croup
Lower airway obstruction (moderate to severe)

  • Bronchiolitis.
  • Reactive airway disease (asthma).
  • Respiratory distress:
    • Tachypnea.
    • Tachycardia.
    • Increased effort (nasal flaring, retractions).
    • Abnormal sounds (grunting).
    • Altered mental status.

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