Abstract: An apparatus which monitors a subset of control panel inputs in a nuclear reactor power plant, the subset being those indicators of plant status which are of a critical nature during an unusual event. A display (10) is provided for displaying primary information (14) as to whether the core is covered and likely to remain covered, including information as to the status of subsystems needed to cool the core and maintain core integrity. Secondary display information (18, 20) is provided which can be viewed selectively for more detailed information when an abnormal condition occurs. The primary display information has messages (24) for prompting an operator as to which one of a number of pushbuttons (16) to press to bring up the appropriate secondary display (18, 20). The apparatus utilizes a thermal-hydraulic analysis to more accurately determine key parameters (such as water level) from other measured parameters, such as power, pressure, and flow rate.