ESI Practice Cases Practice Test

The condition that indicates an ESI level 2 classification due to high risk is difficulty swallowing with throat swelling. This scenario suggests a potential airway compromise, which can escalate rapidly and poses a significant risk to the patient's safety. When a patient has difficulty swallowing accompanied by throat swelling, it may indicate a serious underlying issue, such as an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an infection that could lead to airway obstruction. ESI level 2 is utilized for patients who require immediate attention as their condition could deteriorate quickly, highlighting the urgency of the situation presented by this choice.

In contrast, the other choices describe conditions that are less urgent. Simple dental pain is typically not associated with immediate life threats and can often be managed with a less urgent response. An infected hand with normal vitals does signal a need for treatment but does not present the same high-risk urgency present with airway concerns. Lastly, minimal abdominal pain without other symptoms is generally considered less critical, as it suggests that there is no immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention.