Terrorism, mass casualty, and disaster nursing Flashcards
What is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or microbes as weapons?
Bioterrorism
what does the CDC assign the highest priority to?
- -Agents that can be easily transmitted
- -cause high mortality rate
- -cause public panic
- -disrupt society/gov’t.
In emergency preparedness, regulatory agencies….
have a plan
Emergency operations is required by the joint commission to….
create plan for emergency preparedness and practice it twice per year.
what should the plan for emergency preparedness entail?
- -Activation response
- -Internal/external communication plan
- -plan for care
- -security plan
- -external resources
- -people management
- -demobilization
- -after action response
- -practice drills
What is an example of an external resource?
suppliers
What would the people management portion of emergency preparedness entail?
controlling traffic in and out of area
What does demobilization entail?
return to facility and return to normal function
what is the after action response?
Everyone involved will debrief
What are some examples of agents of bioterrorism?
- -Plague
- -SARS
- -Anthrax
- -Smallpox
- -Botulism
- -Ebola
The bubonic plague can come from a…
flea bite
SARS is a highly contagious virus and the patient should be on what precaution?
droplet
The pneumonic plague is considered a…
weaponized aerosol
A viral hemorrhagic fever such as Ebola is caused by exposure to…
animal reservoir host
Anthrax is contracted by inhalation and can cause…
- -dyspnea
- -fever
- -cough
- -wide mediastinum
If a person comes in direct contact with the anthrax spore they will need to be…
intubated
What precautions should be used with anthrax?
standard
What is the treatment for anthrax?
penicillin
What precaution is used with Smallpox?
airborne
What does smallpox look like and when does it become contagious?
raised then pus filled area
becomes contagious after rash appears
What are signs of a person infected with smallpox?
- -acute fever
- -myalgia
- -lesions that progress from macules to papules
There is no cure for smallpox, when can a person be given a vaccine to prevent future exposure?
If rash has not developed
If the nurse is exposed to smallpox when should she get vaccinated?
Within 4 days of exposure
What precaution is used for botulism?
standard
How is botulism spread?
- -air/food
- -improper canning of food
- -contaminated wound
what are signs of botulism exposure?
- -abd. cramps
- -D/N/V
- -paralysis
- -resp. failure
what is the treatment for botulism exposure?
- -induce vomiting
- -enemas
- -antitoxin
- -mechanical ventilation
- -penicillin
Why is immediate treatment of botulism limited?
limited supply of antitoxin
What are chemical weapons?
substances that can quickly injure/kill and cause panic and social disruption
what are some examples of vesicants?
- -Lewisite
- -Sulfur/nitrogen mustard
- -Phosgene
What are some signs and symptoms of vesicant exposure?
- -blistering/burning
- -respiratory issues
What is the treatment if exposed to a vesicant?
–Decontaminate with soap and water (do not scrub or use hypochlorite)
If there has been eye exposure with a vesicant, what should be done?
copious irrigation
What is the treatment for Lewisite exposure?
Dimercaprol IV/topical
If a person is exposed to sulfur mustard, how long should they be monitored for delayed effects?
24 hours
what do nerve agents do?
causes cholinergic symptoms that progress to loss of consciousness, seizures, copious secretions, apnea, and death.
What is the treatment for sulfur mustard exposure?
- -atropine (dry up secretions)
- -decontaminate with soap and water for 20 min
- -blot dry (do not rub)
What is radiation exposure affected by?
- -time
- -distance
- -shielding
what are the two types of radiation exposure?
- -External
- -Contamination
What is external radiation?
All/part of body exposed (not emergency, do not need to contaminate)
What are radiation contaminants?
–radioactive gases, liquids, or solids
Why is immediate medical management needed for radiation contamination?
Prevent uptake of radioactive material into cells/tissues
Where should radiation decontamination be done?
outside of hospital
What should staff consider when doing radiation decontamination?
- -cover floor
- -strict isolation precautions
- -Seal air ducts/vents
- -double bag waste
What should the nurse wear when doing radiation decontamination?
- -water resistant gown
- -two pairs of gloves
- -caps
- -goggles
- -mask
- -booties
With acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Who would be a probable survivor?
no/minimal initial symptoms
With ARS, who would be a possible survivor?
–if had N/V for 24-48 hours
What is the priority for a possible survivor of ARS?
prevent infection
anticipate latent phase
With ARS, who would be an improbable survivor?
Acute N/V/D
Shock
