Deck 6: Disaster Preparedness

Question 1

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

Answer 1

Evacuate downhill

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

Assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation.

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Bronchodilator

Question 4

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.

Question 5

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

Question 6

The trauma unit manager wishes to improve the unit's nurses' capabilities in mass casualty situations.What action by the manager would be best?

A) Prepare ongoing educational programming.
B) Require nurses become certified in trauma care.
C) Collaborate with a local nursing school on simulations.
D) Involve the staff in disaster planning.

Question 7

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.

Question 8

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."

Question 9

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.

Question 10

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.

Question 11

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.

Question 12

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

Question 13

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.