Question 1

In the event of a mass casualty incident,part of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)'s disaster preparedness program involves backup plans for maintaining public and intraagency/interagency ____________.

Accepted Answer

communication
Traditional modes of communication will likely be interrupted in the event of a mass casualty incident (MCI);therefore,part of disaster preparedness involves backup plans for maintaining public and intraagency/interagency communication (e.g. ,use of two-way radios and satellite phones).

Question 2

The patient is admitted with exposure to an unknown chemical.His clothing appears to be grossly contaminated.What should the nurse do? (Select all that apply. )
A)Avoid touching contaminated parts of clothing.
B)Pull the patient's tee shirt off over his head.
C)Cut the patient's clothes off.
D)Wash the patient with large amounts of soap and water.

Accepted Answer

Remove all of the patient's clothing,but do not pull it over the patient's head;instead,cut garments off.Act quickly,and avoid touching contaminated parts of clothing as much as possible.Decontaminate the patient using large amounts of soap and water to wash the patient thoroughly.

Question 3

The nurse has arrived at the scene of a natural disaster and is assigned to care for four patients.To which patient should the nurse provide care first?
A)Patient with a closed head injury with no changes in level of consciousness
B)Patient with a 3-cm laceration to the forearm
C)Patient who is breathing 8 times per minute
D)Patient with a displaced wrist fracture

Accepted Answer

Nursing care should be prioritized when multiple patients are cared for at once.ABCs (airway,breathing,and circulation)should always take precedence.The patient who is breathing only 8 times per minute is in need of immediate nursing care.The goal of triage is to sort,assess,and perform lifesaving measures as quickly as possible for large numbers of victims.

Question 4

Why are children particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins? (Select all that apply. )
A)They have stronger immune systems.
B)They take in proportionally larger doses of toxins from food,water,and the air.
C)Their organ systems are less able to remove toxins than adult organ systems.
D)They have a greater number of years of life expectancy.

Accepted Answer

Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins because they take in larger doses,pound-for-pound,of toxins than adults,their organ systems are less able to remove the toxins than those of adults,and they have a greater number of years of life expectancy over which to develop complications from the toxic exposure.

Question 5

If a patient is receiving radiation using gamma rays,the nurse would be watching for which of the following?
A)Severe pain during administration
B)Development of an allergy to shellfish
C)Severe burns or internal injury
D)Confusion and lethargy

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays pose the greatest health risk because the waves penetrate deeply,causing severe burns and internal injury.Radiation does not cause patients to develop an allergy to shellfish and is painless during administration.Confusion and lethargy are not known side effects of radiation.

Question 6

Personal protective equipment (PPE)is categorized by the level of safety provided.Standard work uniforms or work clothes offer what level of protection?
A)Level A
B)Level B
C)Level C
D)Level D

Accepted Answer

Standard work uniforms or work clothes offer level D protection.There is no respiratory protection.Standard precautions are important to take when level D protection is used.Level A protection provides maximum protection because it offers self-contained breathing apparatus,fully encloses the individual,and includes chemical-resistant boots and gloves.Level B protection provides respiratory protection but less skin protection.Used by trained responders,this PPE includes self-contained breathing apparatus;a hooded chemical-resistant suit;and face,boot,and glove protection.First responders (those emergency personnel first on the scene)and hospital personnel are trained and fitted to use level C protection.As with level A and B protection,level C protection presents danger to the user,primarily for dehydration and hyperthermia.

Question 7

The patient is admitted to the emergency department with possible smallpox exposure.The patient has never had a smallpox immunization.The nurse prepares to administer a smallpox vaccination,realizing that vaccination:
A)within 3 days of exposure will completely prevent the disease.
B)is effective only if received before exposure.
C)4 to 7 days after exposure will completely prevent the disease.
D)within 3 days will offer only some protection from disease.

Accepted Answer

In the event that smallpox is the biological weapon,the best treatment is prevention by immunization with vaccine before the onset of symptoms.Vaccination within 3 days of exposure will completely prevent the disease or will significantly reduce its effect.Vaccination 4 to 7 days post exposure offers some protection from disease or will decrease the severity of disease.

Question 8

The government agency that coordinates the efforts of multiple organizations to secure and maintain the safety of our nation is the __________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The government agency that coordinates the efforts...

Question 9

Which of the following are goals of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)? (Select all that apply. )
A)Prevention of terrorist attacks
B)Response to disasters
C)Recovery from disasters
D)Coordination of efforts among agencies

Accepted Answer

The DHS focuses on efforts to prevent terrorist attacks and coordination of efforts of multiple agencies to maintain the safety of the United States.

Question 10

In addition to the Department of Homeland Security,which of the following agencies has a mission to ensure that the nation is well prepared to respond to an act of terrorism?
A)American Medical Association (AMA)
B)American Red Cross
C)Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
D)Salvation Army

Accepted Answer

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)is recognized as the leading federal agency designed to protect the health and safety of people at home and abroad.The mission of the CDC's Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response (COTPER)is to protect the health and enhance the living of all people in terms of community preparedness and response.The CDC's mission is to ensure that the nation is well prepared to respond to an act of terrorism (CDC,2003).The American Medical Association has developed a series of National Disaster Life Support courses "designed to provide a uniform,coordinated approach to all-hazards disaster management," but these courses are not designed specifically to combat terrorism.The CDC works with the American Red Cross because both are advocates of preparedness and coordination of prompt,effective emergency efforts.This preparedness coordination goes far beyond these individual agencies and includes outreach to other agencies or groups through mutual aid agreements.However,the CDC is the preeminent agency in this field.Other agencies (e.g. ,department stores,the Salvation Army,Goodwill)provide clothing.Their efforts are not directed primarily toward terrorist activity.

Question 11

Which of the following should make the nurse suspect a biological event? (Select all that apply. )
A)Large numbers of ill people with unexplained similar symptoms
B)Unexplained deaths among young and healthy populations
C)A patient population with symptoms suggestive of a common agent
D)An unusual geographical pattern associated with the symptoms

Accepted Answer

You should suspect a biological event when large numbers of ill people present who have unexplained yet similar symptoms;when unexplained deaths occur,particularly among young and healthy populations;when an unusual pattern (e.g. ,geographical,season,and patient population)is associated with the symptoms;when the patient fails to respond to traditional therapy;and when a single patient presents with symptoms suggestive of an uncommon agent (e.g. ,anthrax,and smallpox).Once you suspect a biological event,notify incident command immediately.

Question 12

The most recently labeled level of protection is BioPPE.The use of BioPPE requires which of the following items?
A)Self-contained breathing apparatus
B)Respiratory protection but less skin protection
C)Chemically resistant boots and gloves
D)Standard work clothes,contact and respiratory protective devices

Accepted Answer

The most recently labeled level of protection is BioPPE.BioPPE requires the use of standard work clothes,along with contact and respiratory protection.Double gloving and an N95 mask or a better respirator is recommended.Level A protection provides maximum protection in that it offers a self-contained breathing apparatus,fully encapsulates the individual,and includes chemically resistant boots and gloves.BioPPE protection is not adequate when caring for patients exposed to toxic chemicals;however,it provides adequate protection against radiological and biological agents.

Question 13

The patient is brought into the emergency department as part of a mass casualty incident (MCI).The patient has white powder on his clothes,and it is suspected that the patient has been exposed to anthrax.What should the nurse do first?
A)Cut off the patient's clothing and place it in a plastic bag.
B)Have the patient remove his sweater by pulling it over his head.
C)Avoid using oxygen that could decrease the patient's oxygen drive.
D)Provide the patient with appropriate antibiotics.

Accepted Answer

If you suspect anthrax,remove the patient's clothing and place it in a labeled plastic biohazard bag.Do not have the patient pull clothing off over the head,but rather cut off clothing.Administer oxygen therapy.Various biological agents (e.g. ,pulmonary anthrax)commonly cause respiratory symptoms that will result in an altered gas exchange.Exposure to these agents is commonly treated with ciprofloxacin and/or doxycycline,and botulism requires supportive care and use of an antitoxin.

Question 14

How is a disaster best defined?
A)Any event or situation that results in multiple casualties and/or deaths
B)A catastrophic and/or destructive event that disrupts normal functioning
C)An industrial accident and unplanned release of nuclear waste
D)An event that results in human casualties that overwhelm available health care resources

Accepted Answer

A disaster is defined as a catastrophic and/or destructive event that disrupts normal functioning;it may include any anticipated or unexpected event whose effects lead to significant destruction and/or adverse consequences.Any event or situation that results in multiple casualties and/or deaths is called a mass casualty incident (MCI).An industrial accident with unplanned release of nuclear waste is classified as a technological disaster.A medical disaster is a catastrophic event that results in human casualties that overwhelm available health care resources.

Question 15

Disaster nursing differs from general nursing because when caring for patients during a disaster:
A)the focus is on caring for the sickest people first.
B)using a color tag system reduces the amount of emotional stress on the nurse.
C)the focus is no longer on airway,breathing,and circulation.
D)the focus is on caring for those most likely to survive.

Accepted Answer

Disaster nursing differs from general nursing in that the focus shifts from caring for the sickest people first to saving the greatest number of lives.Triage sorts the victims in to groups with color coded tags which identify status-black for the dead or mortally injured,red for those in need of immediate attention to survive,yellow for those seriously injured but more stable than individuals coded "red," and green for those with minimal injuries,This allows the rescue teams to direct resources in a most effective manner to save the greatest number of lives.

Question 16

Dispersal of biological agents is a real and psychological terrorist threat.Which of the following organisms has the potential to cause the greatest harm?
A)Anthrax
B)Ricin
C)Salmonella
D)Hantavirus

Accepted Answer

Category A organisms are considered the greatest threat because they can be transmitted easily from person to person and can cause high mortality with a potential for major public health impact.Of the organisms listed here,only anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)is considered a Category A organism.Category B organisms are moderately easy to disseminate and cause moderate morbidity and low mortality.They are considered high-risk organisms.Ricin toxin and Salmonella are classified as Category B.Hantavirus is considered a Category C organism or a pathogen that could be engineered for mass dissemination.

Question 17

After a suspected radiological exposure,the initial scan of the patient's extremities is positive.What will be the next step in this patient's care?
A)Washing the skin with soap and water while taking care not to irritate or abrade the skin
B)Removing clothing to eliminate 70% to 90% of the contamination
C)Isolating and covering up any skin that is positive for radiation using a plastic wrap
D)Conducting a thorough survey of the patient's entire body with the radiation sensing equipment

Accepted Answer

If the initial assessment of the patient's face,hands,and feet is positive for radiation exposure the specially trained technician will be a more thorough assessment of the patient's entire body.Determining the amount and level of radiation is important in determining the level of danger to the caretaker and the level of care required for the patient.This determination precedes any other care.

Question 18

Which of the following biological agent requires the use of an antitoxin if exposure occurs?
A)Anthrax
B)Plague
C)Botulism
D)Typhoid

Accepted Answer

Botulism requires supportive care and use of an antitoxin.Attack with various biological agents (e.g. ,anthrax,plague,and typhoidal tularemia)is commonly treated with ciprofloxacin and/or doxycycline.

Question 19

Upon arriving at a mass causality scene,health care providers using the SALT approach will initiate triage by doing which of the following first?
A)Assess
B)Move
C)Sort
D)Send

Accepted Answer

In the SALT process,the first step is to sort the affected individuals in to groups so that they may be assessed individually.Category 1 includes those who are not moving and have life-threatening injuries.Category 2 includes those who are able to wave or have purposeful movement.Category 3 consists of those able to walk on their own.

Question 20

The strategic plan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)in the event of a disaster first focuses on __________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The strategic plan of the Centers for...

Quiz 15: Disaster Preparedness

In the event of a mass casualty incident,part of the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)'s disaster preparedness program involves backup plans for maintaining public and intraagency/interagency ____________.

The patient is admitted with exposure to an unknown chemical.His clothing appears to be grossly contaminated.What should the nurse do? (Select all that apply. )

The nurse has arrived at the scene of a natural disaster and is assigned to care for four patients.To which patient should the nurse provide care first?

Why are children particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins? (Select all that apply. )

If a patient is receiving radiation using gamma rays,the nurse would be watching for which of the following?

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is categorized by the level of safety provided.Standard work uniforms or work clothes offer what level of protection?

The patient is admitted to the emergency department with possible smallpox exposure.The patient has never had a smallpox immunization.The nurse prepares to administer a smallpox vaccination,realizing that vaccination:

The government agency that coordinates the efforts of multiple organizations to secure and maintain the safety of our nation is the __________________.

Which of the following are goals of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ? (Select all that apply. )

In addition to the Department of Homeland Security,which of the following agencies has a mission to ensure that the nation is well prepared to respond to an act of terrorism?

Which of the following should make the nurse suspect a biological event? (Select all that apply. )

The most recently labeled level of protection is BioPPE.The use of BioPPE requires which of the following items?

The patient is brought into the emergency department as part of a mass casualty incident (MCI) .The patient has white powder on his clothes,and it is suspected that the patient has been exposed to anthrax.What should the nurse do first?

How is a disaster best defined?

Disaster nursing differs from general nursing because when caring for patients during a disaster:

Dispersal of biological agents is a real and psychological terrorist threat.Which of the following organisms has the potential to cause the greatest harm?

After a suspected radiological exposure,the initial scan of the patient's extremities is positive.What will be the next step in this patient's care?

Which of the following biological agent requires the use of an antitoxin if exposure occurs?

Upon arriving at a mass causality scene,health care providers using the SALT approach will initiate triage by doing which of the following first?

The strategic plan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)in the event of a disaster first focuses on __________________.