Chapter 12: Concepts of Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

Chapter 12: Concepts of Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse has been assigned the role of triage nurse after a weather-related disaster. What is the priority action of the nurse?

a.	Call in additional staff to assist with care of the victims.
b.	Splint fractures and clean and dress lacerations.
c.	Perform a rapid assessment of clients to determine priority of care.
d.	Provide psychological support to staff and family members.

 

 

ANS:  C

The triage nurse classifies victims of the explosion into priority of care based on illness or injury severity. Calling in additional staff more likely would be done by the hospital incident commander or designee. Physical care is provided to victims after triage occurs. Psychological support should be an ongoing part of the disaster plan but is not included in triage responsibilities; this ensures that the greatest good is provided to the greatest number of people.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher               REF:   N/A

TOP:   Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Establishing Priorities)

MSC:  Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)

 

2. A client who is hospitalized with burns after losing the family home in a fire becomes angry and screams at the nurse when dinner is served late. What is the nurse’s best response?

a.	“Do you need something for pain right now?”
b.	“Please stop yelling. I brought dinner as soon as I could.”
c.	“I suggest that you get control of yourself.”
d.	“You seem upset. I have time to talk if you like.”

 

 

ANS:  D

Clients should be allowed to ventilate their feelings of anger and despair after a catastrophic event. The nurse establishes rapport through active listening and honest communication and by recognizing cues that the client wishes to talk. Asking whether the client is in pain as the first response closes the door to open communication and limits the client’s options. Simply telling the client to gain control does nothing to promote therapeutic communication.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher               REF:   N/A

TOP:   Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity (Therapeutic Communication)

MSC:  Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation

 

3. A client is receiving follow-up care after surviving a tornado. The client reports insomnia and the nurse notes that the client jumped as the nurse entered the room. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

a.	Document findings on the client’s chart and inform the physician.
b.	Perform additional assessments for post-traumatic stress disorder.
c.	Educate the client on nonpharmaceutical methods to promote sleep.
d.	Plan to initiate a referral to a psychologist experienced in survivor issues.

 

 

ANS:  B

An individual may experience physical symptoms as a normal response to profound grief or loss, particularly after a traumatic incident. Manifestations such as insomnia, being startled easily, having flashbacks, or feelings of numbness may indicate post-traumatic stress disorder, and the nurse should first assess for this problem. The nurse should document assessment findings, but only after performing a more thorough assessment. A referral may be necessary, but the nurse does not have enough information yet to initiate it. If assessment reveals that methods to assist with sleep would be helpful, the nurse could provide that education.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher               REF:   N/A

TOP:   Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity (Coping Mechanisms)

MSC:  Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)

 

4. An industrial accident has occurred near the hospital, and many victims are brought to the emergency department (ED) for treatment of their injuries. The nurse triages the victim with which injury with a red tag?

a.	Dislocated right hip and an open fracture of the right lower leg
b.	Large contusion to the forehead and a bloody nose
c.	Closed fracture of the right clavicle and arm numbness
d.	Multiple fractured ribs and shortness of breath

 

 

ANS:  D

Clients who have an immediate threat to life are given the highest priority, are placed in the emergent or class I category, and are given a red triage tag. The client with multiple rib fractures and shortness of breath most likely has developed a pneumothorax, which may be fatal if not treated immediately. The client with the hip and leg problem and the client with the clavicle fracture would be classified as class II; these major but stable injuries can wait 30 minutes to 2 hours for definitive care. The client with facial wounds would be considered the “walking wounded” and classified as nonurgent.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher               REF:   N/A

TOP:   Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of Care—Establishing Priorities)           MSC:              Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)