In MCI RPM-P protocol, when should a patient be tagged red?

• A. If radial pulse is present and cap refill <2 seconds, move to M
• B. If radial pulse is absent or cap refill >2 seconds, tag red
• C. If major bleeding is controlled at this time
• D. If the patient is AOx4

Answer: (B)

Perfusion status drives red tagging in this MCI RPM-P approach. A patient without a detectable radial pulse or with capillary refill longer than two seconds signals life-threatening hypoperfusion and a high risk of rapid deterioration, so they are tagged red to receive immediate life-saving interventions and rapid transport. If a pulse is present and capillary refill is under two seconds, circulation is adequate for the moment, so red tagging isn’t triggered. Being alert and oriented versus not doesn’t by itself determine red priority, and major bleeding that is already controlled reduces urgency unless perfusion is compromised.