Which of the following organizations would direct nurses' response to a countywide disaster?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The first level of disaster response occurs at the local level with the mobilization of responders such as the fire department, law enforcement, public health, and emergency services. If the disaster stretches local resources, the county or city emergency management agency (EMA) will coordinate activities through an emergency operations center (EOC). Generally, local responders within a county sign a regional or statewide mutual aid agreement to allow the sharing of needed personnel, equipment, services, and supplies. The American Red Cross may assist with disaster relief efforts, but this would not be the agency that would direct the response by nurses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national agency and would most likely not be involved with a county-wide disaster. The local public health department may be involved in responding to the disaster, but this would not be the organization that is responsible for leading the response.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Disaster workers must know what kinds of populations they are attempting to assist. Thus, formal training related to disaster management and response would be important for the nurse to complete. Without having formal training and having official sponsorship, volunteers may not be able to be used. Lack of information or inaccurate information regarding the scope of the disaster and its initial effects can contribute to the misuse of resources. Often too many volunteers who lack official sponsorship convene at the site of disaster and are disappointed when their help cannot be used. Similarly, well-meaning people may send clothes and food to disaster sites. The unneeded contributions of food and clothing add to the stress of coping with the disaster, particularly if refrigeration and storage are not available. Although contributing to an organization like the American Red Cross is to be encouraged and commended, many fraudulent scam charities may pop up claiming to collect funds for the victims.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The effects on young children can be especially disruptive. They can resort to regressive behaviors such as sucking their thumbs, wetting their beds, crying, and clinging to parents. This regression is normal in response to the event. Regression is a normal response; thus, it is not necessary to recommend psychological counseling or behavior therapy. It would not be appropriate to explain to a 4-year old child that he/she should be 'strong'.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Fluoridation is widely accepted as effective and safe among dental public health experts, reducing caries by about 25-50%. The controversy is minimal today, making (B) the incorrect statement. (A), (C), (D), and (E) are true: fluoride reduces caries, concentration varies with temperature, fluorosis occurs at high levels, and it’s tasteless at 1 ppm.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In low-risk populations, the ELISA test’s positive predictive value is low due to a higher chance of false positives relative to true positives. (A) is false (most untreated HIV-positive individuals progress to AIDS), (B) is false (antibodies indicate infection, not immunity), (D) is false (false positives are rare in advanced AIDS), and (E) is false (negative ELISA doesn’t rule out early infection).