A 38-year-old male reports a severe toothache without signs of swelling. What ESI level is he assessed?

In emergency department triage, patients are categorized using the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) to prioritize care based on the severity of their condition. For a patient presenting with a severe toothache but without any signs of swelling, the appropriate ESI level would be classified as a Level 5.

Patients at Level 5 are typically those who have less severe medical conditions that can be managed with basic care and do not require intensive resources. Specifically, since the patient is experiencing a toothache but shows no additional concerning symptoms—such as swelling, fever, or signs of an acute infection—this indicates that while the discomfort is severe, it does not pose an immediate threat to life or limb.

In the context of ESI levels, Level 5 patients generally require simple interventions. Thus, a severe toothache can often be managed with a prescription for pain relief and possibly a referral to a dentist, rather than immediate acute medical interventions that higher levels would suggest.

This thoughtful categorization reflects the patient’s overall health status and the urgency of their condition, leading to the conclusion that a Level 5 assessment is appropriate in this scenario.