Unit 15 Crisis/Disaster

Question 1

What is a crisis?

Answer 1

Psychological problem which a person cannot resolve with his/her customary problem solving

• Acute, not chronic and will be resolved within 4-6 weeks
• A crisis has the potential for growth or deterioration

Question 2

What does early crisis intervention do, the nurse’s role, and what is the goal?

Answer 2

• Deals with the here and now
• Nurse takes active role in intervention
• Early intervention increases the chance for a better prognosis

GOAL: Maintain pre-crisis level of functioning

Question 3

What happens physiologically in a crisis?

Answer 3

-anxiety rises where the individual becomes nonfunctional, thoughts become obsessional, and all behavior is aimed at the relief of the anxiety

Question 4

What are the 4 phases of a crisis?

Answer 4

OR…[Panic level of anxiety]: disordered cognitive functions, liable emotions, possible psychotic thinking

Question 5

Whether or not a person experiences a crisis in response to a stressful situation depends on what?

Answer 5

• The individuals perception of the event
• Availability of situational supports
• Adequate coping mechanisms

Question 6

What are types of Crisis’?

Answer 6

Maturational- aging, lifespan (ex: pregnant woman)

Situational- present time (ex: you have cancer) external situations like loss of job, death of a loved one, abortion, divorce, change in financial status, domestic violence, crime

Adventitious- things out of your control (ex: hurricane)

Question 7

What are the four phases in the technique of crisis intervention?

Answer 7

First phase ASSESSMENT:

• Describe event
• Determine when it occurred
• Assess physical and mental status
• Assess past and present coping skills
• etc

Second phase PLANNING:

• Select the appropriate nursing action for the identified problem
• The goals are established for crisis resolution and a return to or even increase in the pre-crisis level of functioning

Third phase INTERVENTION:

• Actions are implemented
• Set firm limits on unacceptable behavior
• Guide client through problem-solving process
• Acknowledge feelings

Fourth phase, EVALUATION:

• Has positive behavioral changes occurred?
• Has the person developed better coping strategies?
• Has the individual grown?

Question 8

What is the primary focus on disaster response?

Answer 8

On the survivors, workers, and their families

Question 9

List and describe the 6 components of active listening.

Answer 9

1. Support survivor in setting the pace
2. Allow silence
3. Attend nonverbally
4. Paraphrase
5. Reflect feelings
6. Accept expressions of emotion

Question 10

Describe the components of a “rule out” assessment in an acute crisis. (In other words what to rule out)

Answer 10

1. Medical attention
2. Intoxication
3. Psychosis
4. SI/HI

Question 11

During an acute crisis assessment what are the components of a cognitive and emotional assessment?

Answer 11

• Orientation
• Concentration
• Judgement/Insight
• Short term/long term memory
• Appropriateness of their emotional response

Question 12

What is the SAFER method for conducting individual crisis interventions?

Answer 12

S- Stabilize, introduce, meet basic needs, assess functioning

A- Acknowledge, listen to their story

F- Facilitation of understanding

E- Encouragement of effective coping

R- Referral