During a community health fair the disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) informs participants that every community must be ready to provide disaster care. A participant asks, "In a disaster, the local community cannot possibly be effective, so why not have a plan to call federal agencies immediately to provide relief?" The correct response by the DMAT is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because communities are indeed the first responders in any disaster. Local resources are typically the first to mobilize and provide immediate assistance due to their proximity to the affected area. Federal agencies may take time to arrive on the scene, so it is crucial for communities to have their own disaster response plans in place. Choice A is incorrect because the federal government can become involved in disasters even without known terrorist activities, especially in large-scale disasters. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the roles of different agencies in disaster response. Choice D is incorrect because state and federal agencies may still provide assistance even if local health care facilities are operational.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the preparedness phase of the disaster continuum aligns with the assessment and planning steps of the nursing process. In both situations, assessment involves identifying potential risks or needs, while planning entails developing strategies to address those risks or needs. Preparedness in disasters is about assessing vulnerabilities and creating plans to mitigate risks, which is akin to the initial steps in the nursing process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately match the phases of the disaster continuum with the corresponding steps in the nursing process. B incorrectly associates recovery with planning, C incorrectly links recovery with implementation, and D incorrectly pairs response relief with evaluation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: gather information. This step is essential as it allows nurses to collect data, assess the situation, and make informed decisions. Identifying the problem (A) comes after gathering information. Considering consequences (C) and implementing interventions (D) are later steps in the process once information has been gathered. Gathering information is foundational to problem-solving as it provides the necessary data to understand the situation fully and determine the appropriate course of action.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transactional. This type of leader focuses on routine tasks, maintaining order, and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. In this scenario, the nurse is primarily concerned with daily operational tasks like restocking supplies and checking orders, which align with transactional leadership. Situational leadership focuses on adapting to different situations, transformational leadership inspires change and innovation, and contemporary leadership encompasses various modern leadership styles.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Legitimate. The coordinator's power is based on their legitimate authority to invite individuals to join the quality improvement committee. Legitimate power is derived from one's position or role within an organization, giving them the right to make decisions and direct activities. In this scenario, the coordinator's invitation is based on their legitimate authority as the leader of the quality group. Choice A: Coercive power involves the use of threats or punishment to influence others, which is not evident in the scenario. Choice B: Transformational power focuses on inspiring and motivating others to achieve a common goal, which is not explicitly demonstrated in the scenario. Choice C: Laissez-faire power involves a hands-off approach to leadership, allowing individuals to make their own decisions without much guidance, which is not applicable in this scenario.