A nurse is employed by the American Red Cross and is frequently assigned to fly to a disaster zone. Which of the following should the nurse's family members have readily available?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse and the nurse's family are best protected by having the skills and knowledge to cope with a disaster, including details such as where families will reunite in the event of an emergency. The nurse should have his/her own copy of the professional license. It is recommended that a 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day) be part of an emergency planning kit. Gloves, mask, and other personal protective equipment are recommended for the professional nurse to have available as an emergency supply.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Older adults react deeply to the loss of personal possessions because of the high sentimental value attached to the items. Family photos are a part of family history and are not replaceable. This type of a loss warrants psychological support. Homes and electronic equipment can be replaced, so the older adult may be able to eventually access loans to rebuild his home and replace his equipment. Because these things are replaceable, it is likely that that the older adult will be able to better cope with these losses than with something that is irreplaceable. Depending on the loss of the older adult, he/she may have a need for relocation rather than returning home.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Any person who comes to a special needs shelter must be assessed by a nurse to determine whether this type of facility is appropriate. After it has been determined if the facility is appropriate for these people, the nurse can work with them as needed to limit equipment if there is limited space. Assessment of the physical concerns of the people, not the psychological conditions, should be the primary concern of the nurse. The nurse would not be providing medical care at the shelter, rather, the nurse would provide assessments, referrals, assist the client to meet health care needs, keep client records, ensure emergency communications, and provide a safe environment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The fact that the nurse needs to continue to ventilate about the disaster, even after the family has quit listening, would suggest a delayed stress reaction that is not resolving and therefore warrants professional intervention. The nurse presenting at a college about the disaster demonstrates that the nurse is able to engage in conversations about the disaster after it has occurred. It is understandable that the nurse would return exhausted and moody. Indeed, concerns of major importance to family members may seem trivial when compared with problems the disaster victims were confronting.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A presidentially declared disaster is one that requires implementation of disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs) because the disaster exceeds the capabilities of the involved state(s) to provide a timely and effective response. Such a disaster has the potential to cause a substantial number of deaths or injuries; substantial health and medical problems; or significant damage to the economic and physical infrastructure. The disaster may not cover a broad geographic area. The criteria for use of DMATs is that the disaster exceeds the capabilities of the involved state to provide a timely and effective response. This could occur in a small geographic area.