Chapter 06: Disaster Preparedness Flashcards
During a disaster drill, a patient presents with an open left femur fracture, BP 134/78 mmHg,
pulse 102 beats/minute, and pedal pulses 1+/4+ bilaterally. Into which category would the
nurse triage this patient?
a. Expectant
b. Delayed
c. Immediate
d. Minimal
b. Delayed
A trauma nurse has responded to the scene of a mass casualty incident. The nurse sees several
injured patients lying together in a heap. One of them does not appear to be breathing. What
action by the nurse takes priority?
a. Put on personal protective equipment.
b. Assess the non-breathing patient first.
c. Determine if the scene is safe to enter.
d. Open the non-breathing patient’s airway
c. Determine if the scene is safe to enter.
A nurse has responded to the scene of hurricane devastation and must wear Level C protection
as there are potential biohazards present. What action by the nurse takes priority?
a. Resting periodically and drinking water
b. Ensuring the breathing apparatus remains intact
c. Replacing gloves frequently on a schedule
d. Keeping the hard hat securely in place
a. Resting periodically and drinking water
During a disaster drill, a patient presents with manifestations of inhalation anthrax exposure.
What action by the nurse indicates a need for further education?
a. Places the patient in strict isolation.
b. Prepares to administer ciprofloxacin.
c. Educates close contacts on vaccination.
d. Assists in obtaining hemodynamic monitoring
a. Places the patient in strict isolation.
A patient is admitted with suspected smallpox infection. What action by the nurse indicates
further education is needed on this type of patient?
a. Prepares to administer doxycycline.
b. Cares for the patient using CDC isolation guidelines.
c. Assesses and treats the patient’s pain.
d. Encourages proper nutrition.
a. Prepares to administer doxycycline.
The nurse assisting at a disaster site smells what seems to be burned or bitter almonds. What action by the nurse takes priority? a. Alert the authorities b. Evacuate downhill c. Begin decontamination d. Don PPE
b. Evacuate downhill
A patient presents to the emergency department after a chemical exposure and reports blurry
vision and “my eyes burn”. What action by the nurse takes priority?
a. Rinse the patient’s eyes with tap water for 15 minutes.
b. Assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
c. Wash the patient’s face with soap and warm water.
d. Remove the patient’s contact lenses before irrigating the eyes.
b. Assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
An explosion has occurred at a factory that makes pool supplies and chemicals. One of the
victims presents to the emergency department with obvious shortness of breath. What
medication does the nurse prepare to administer?
a. Antitoxin
b. Antidote
c. Bronchodilator
d. Antibiotic
c. Bronchodilator
After a radiation exposure, a patient was brought to the emergency department. What nursing
action is appropriate?
a. Remove all clothing as quickly as possible.
b. Conduct a focused assessment.
c. Have a radiation assessment performed.
d. Place patient in a room with a lead shield.
c. Have a radiation assessment performed.
An older employee of a nuclear energy plant was exposed to radiation. On initial assessment,
the patient appears stable. The nurse delegates frequent vital sign monitoring to the nursing
assistive personnel. When questioned for the need to monitor the patient so often, what
response by the nurse is best?
a. “We don’t know how this radiation will affect the patient.”
b. “Other health problems may mean the patient is worse than we think.”
c. “We need to ensure the patient does not develop delirium.”
d. “Organs in older people are more sensitive to radiation than in kids.”
b. “Other health problems may mean the patient is worse than we think.”
An individual eating at an outdoor café suddenly grabs the chest and begins drooling
uncontrollably. A nurse at the scene assesses pinpoint pupils and muscle twitching. The
patient states “I think someone tried to kill me.” After calling 911, what action by the nurse is
best?
a. Remove patient’s clothing and throw away.
b. Refrain from touching patient without PPE.
c. Assess for ciprofloxacin allergy.
d. Request 911 dispatch a dosimeter to the scene.
b. Refrain from touching patient without PPE.
A nursing student learns that which of the following are potential hazards at a disaster site? (Select all that apply.) a. Downed powerlines b. Public alarm c. Toxic gases d. Secondary explosions e. Snipers f. Fire
a. Downed powerlines
c. Toxic gases
d. Secondary explosions
e. Snipers
f. Fire
A nurse is conducting a community education event of disaster preparedness. What items does the nurse inform participants are needed in a basic disaster kit? (Select all that apply.) a. Gallon of water per person b. Utility knife c. First aid kit d. Pet supplies e. Household cleaners f. Plastic sheeting
a. Gallon of water per person
b. Utility knife
c. First aid kit
d. Pet supplies
e. Household cleaners
What does the nurse learn about disaster preparedness as it relates to children as compared to
adults? (Select all that apply.)
a. Less vulnerable to the effects of radiation.
b. More likely to develop secondary infections.
c. Hypothermia with contamination is more severe.
d. Behavior changes are possible after traumas.
e. PPE is more easily accepted as it is new and interesting.
b. More likely to develop secondary infections.
d. Behavior changes are possible after traumas.
