Week 12: Emergency Preparedness & Recovery

Question 1

A public health nurse is educating a community on emergency preparedness. Which activity is an example of the “Preparedness” phase?

A. Conducting vaccination campaigns
B. Organizing mock drills
C. Allocating resources during a disaster
D. Assisting in rebuilding homes post-disaster
E. Providing palliative care to terminal patients

Answer 1

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Preparedness includes activities such as training and mock drills to ensure readiness for potential emergencies.

Question 1

A nurse is reviewing the disaster response cycle. Which phase involves preventing future emergencies and minimizing the effects of potential disasters?

A. Mitigation
B. Preparedness
C. Response
D. Recovery
E. Evaluation

Answer 1

Correct Answer: A. Mitigation Rationale: Mitigation focuses on actions taken to prevent or reduce the impact of emergencies before they occur, such as risk assessments and policy implementation.

Question 2

During triage in a mass casualty incident, a patient with minor cuts and bruises who can walk independently is assigned which color tag?

A. Yellow
B. Red
C. Green
D. Black
E. Blue

Answer 2

Correct Answer: C. Green
Rationale: A green tag indicates “walking wounded,” or patients with minor injuries who do not require immediate care.

Question 3

What key lesson was learned from the SARS outbreak in Toronto in 2003?

A. Importance of mass immunizations
B. Surge capacity and infection control need improvement
C. Lack of trained healthcare workers
D. Higher rates of chronic conditions in men
E. Underrepresentation of minorities in healthcare roles

Answer 3

Correct Answer: B. Surge capacity and infection control need improvement

Rationale: Post-SARS, gaps were identified in surge capacity, infection control measures, laboratory testing, and information sharing.

Question 4

A community health nurse is advocating for policies to ensure equitable care in emergencies. Which social determinant of health (SDH) is most likely to impact emergency readiness?

A. Educational level
B. Geographic location
C. Employment status
D. Social support networks
E. Cultural beliefs

Answer 4

Correct Answer: B. Geographic location

Rationale: Geographic location can influence access to resources, response times, and overall emergency preparedness.

Question 5

A patient affected by an infectious disease pandemic is receiving palliative care. What triage color tag should they be assigned?

A. Green
B. Yellow
C. Red
D. Black
E. Orange

Answer 5

Correct Answer: D. Black
Rationale: A black tag is used for patients unlikely to survive, emphasizing comfort and palliative care.

Question 6

Which government agency was established in 2004 to provide leadership in promoting health and managing public health emergencies?

A. WHO
B. PHAC
C. CDC
D. FEMA
E. Red Cross

Answer 6

Correct Answer: B. PHAC

Rationale: The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) was established post-SARS to strengthen public health leadership and response

Question 7

A nurse is leading a vaccination campaign during an H1N1 outbreak. Which phase of the disaster cycle does this represent?

A. Mitigation
B. Preparedness
C. Response
D. Recovery
E. Education

Answer 7

Correct Answer: C. Response

Rationale: Response involves implementing plans to manage the disaster, including vaccination campaigns to reduce disease spread.

Question 8

What is a critical role of community health nurses during the “Recovery” phase of a disaster?

A. Conducting mock drills
B. Providing first aid
C. Rebuilding critical services
D. Allocating PPE
E. Educating about disaster preparedness

Answer 8

Correct Answer: C. Rebuilding critical services

Rationale: Recovery focuses on restoring normalcy and rebuilding infrastructure and services post-disaster.

Question 9

Which population was disproportionately affected by the H1N1 pandemic in 2009?

A. Elderly
B. Indigenous communities
C. Pregnant women
D. Healthcare workers
E. Urban residents

Answer 9

Correct Answer: B. Indigenous communities

Rationale: Indigenous communities faced higher vulnerability due to systemic inequities and barriers to healthcare access

Question 10

A nurse recognizes the moral distress in a colleague. Which scenario best exemplifies moral distress?

A. Feeling unprepared for a shift
B. Experiencing psychological distress due to resource constraints
C. Handling a conflict with another staff member
D. Learning a new clinical skill
E. Deciding between two equally effective treatments

Answer 10

Correct Answer: B. Experiencing psychological distress due to resource constraints

Rationale: Moral distress arises when a nurse cannot act in accordance with their ethical beliefs due to external constraints, like limited resources.

Question 11

What is an example of “Moral Resilience” in nursing?

A. Avoiding situations that cause distress
B. Restoring personal integrity despite setbacks
C. Taking over a colleague’s responsibilities
D. Adopting new triage protocols
E. Seeking support from administration only during crises

Answer 11

Correct Answer: B. Restoring personal integrity despite setbacks

Rationale: Moral resilience involves maintaining or restoring integrity in the face of moral complexity or distress.

Question 12

Which legislation outlines the federal government’s role in emergency preparedness in Canada?

A. Emergencies Act
B. Emergency Management Act
C. Public Health Act
D. National Safety Act
E. Civil Contingencies Act

Answer 12

Correct Answer: A. Emergencies Act

Rationale: The Emergencies Act defines the federal government’s role in managing emergencies when local capacities are exceeded.

Question 13

During a community outreach event, a nurse educates on reducing chronic diseases to improve disaster readiness. Which determinant of health is being targeted?

A. Social support
B. Income
C. Health behaviors
D. Physical environment
E. Education

Answer 13

Correct Answer: C. Health behaviors

Rationale: Promoting health behaviors, such as reducing chronic diseases, improves individual resilience and emergency readiness.

Question 14

What lesson was highlighted by the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa?

A. Importance of PPE stockpiling
B. Inequities in global healthcare systems
C. Effectiveness of mass immunizations
D. Impact of climate change on disease spread
E. Lack of local government involvement

Answer 14

Correct Answer: B. Inequities in global healthcare systems

Rationale: The Ebola outbreak underscored healthcare system disparities, including a lack of trained workers and resources in West Africa.

Question 15

A nurse is part of a team revising policies post-pandemic. Which lesson from COVID-19 highlights necessary improvements?

A. Increasing hospital staffing
B. Reducing bureaucratic delays
C. Providing mandatory immunizations
D. Increasing home care services
E. Eliminating private healthcare options

Answer 15

Correct Answer: B. Reducing bureaucratic delays

Rationale: COVID-19 emphasized the need for faster adaptability and responsiveness, including reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Question 16

In triage, which patient would be assigned a “Yellow” tag?

A. A patient with life-threatening injuries needing immediate surgery
B. A patient with a broken arm requiring delayed treatment
C. A patient who is walking wounded
D. A patient unlikely to survive
E. A patient with minor burns

Answer 16

Correct Answer: B. A patient with a broken arm requiring delayed treatment

Rationale: A yellow tag indicates delayed care for serious but not life-threatening conditions.

Question 17

Which nursing intervention aligns with the “Mitigation” phase of disaster management?

A. Conducting CPR training
B. Stockpiling emergency supplies
C. Setting up a field hospital
D. Administering first aid during a disaster
E. Rebuilding community infrastructure

Answer 17

Correct Answer: B. Stockpiling emergency supplies

Rationale: Mitigation involves preparing resources to minimize disaster impact.

Question 18

Which public health strategy best supports “Preparedness” for pandemics?

A. Screening for chronic diseases
B. Establishing testing sites
C. Developing vaccination programs
D. Allocating funds for new hospitals
E. Ensuring equitable access to treatments

Answer 18

Correct Answer: C. Developing vaccination programs
Rationale: Preparedness includes creating and maintaining vaccination strategies to prevent disease spread.

Question 19

What critical factor contributed to higher COVID-19 mortality rates among Black Canadians?

A. Vaccine hesitancy
B. Limited healthcare access
C. High-risk job exposure
D. Chronic health conditions
E. Lower socioeconomic status

Answer 19

Correct Answer: D. Chronic health conditions

Rationale: Black Canadians faced higher mortality rates due to the prevalence of chronic health conditions.

Question 20

Which patient scenario best fits the “Red” triage tag?

A. A patient with minor lacerations
B. A patient with severe head trauma and no pulse
C. A patient with a blocked airway requiring immediate intervention
D. A patient with a stable fracture
E. A patient experiencing mild dehydration

Answer 20

Correct Answer: C.
A patient with a blocked airway requiring immediate intervention

Rationale: A red tag indicates immediate care for life-threatening conditions that are survivable with prompt intervention.

Question 21

A patient is unconscious but breathing and has a femur fracture. Which triage color tag is appropriate?

A. Green
B. Yellow
C. Red
D. Black
E. Blue

Answer 21

Correct Answer: C. Red

Rationale: A red tag is assigned to patients requiring immediate attention due to the potential for life-threatening conditions.

Question 22

Which of the following best describes the goal of the mitigation phase of disaster management?

A. Protecting people and property in a disaster.
B. Rebuilding infrastructure after a disaster.
C. Taking action ahead of time to prepare for emergencies.
D. Preventing future emergencies and mitigating effects.

Answer 22

Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Mitigation aims to reduce the impact of future emergencies by preventing them or minimizing their effects. This phase includes long-term strategies such as improving infrastructure, developing stronger policies, and addressing environmental factors that can contribute to disasters.

Question 23

What is the primary focus of the preparedness phase of disaster management?
A. Responding to a disaster in real-time.
B. Preventing future emergencies from occurring.
C. Rebuilding after a disaster has occurred
D. Ensuring actions are taken ahead of time to prepare for emergencies.

Answer 23

Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Preparedness involves proactive actions such as creating disaster response plans, conducting drills, and gathering necessary resources in anticipation of potential emergencies. This phase ensures communities are ready to respond effectively when a disaster occurs.

Question 24

Which nursing action aligns with the response phase of disaster management?
A. Educating the public on health promotion.
B. Coordinating community drills and preparedness.
C. Providing real-time care to victims during a disaster.
D. Assisting in rebuilding efforts after a disaster.

Answer 24

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The response phase focuses on taking immediate action to protect people and property during a disaster. Nurses are involved in providing direct care, such as triaging patients, administering treatment, and managing resources during the emergency.

Question 25

Which of the following best defines the recovery phase in disaster management?
A. Preventing future emergencies.
B. Taking immediate action during a disaster.
C. Rebuilding and restoring the community after a disaster.
D. Identifying emergency preparedness strategies.

Answer 25

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The recovery phase focuses on rebuilding the community, restoring services, and helping individuals and infrastructure return to normalcy after the disaster. It includes long-term efforts to re-establish healthcare, social services, and community systems.

Question 26

What action would a nurse take during the preparedness phase of a disaster management cycle?
A. Assist with immediate emergency care.
B. Participate in community drills and establish emergency plans.
C. Help communities rebuild after a disaster.
D. Engage in long-term disaster relief efforts.

Answer 26

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the preparedness phase, nurses are involved in ensuring the community is ready for emergencies. This includes planning, practicing drills, and ensuring necessary supplies and resources are available to respond to a disaster effectively.

Question 27

Which of the following is an example of mitigation in disaster management?
A. Offering trauma care during a disaster.
B. Preparing the community by practicing emergency drills.
C. Building flood barriers to protect against future floods.
D. Rebuilding homes after a disaster occurs.

Answer 27

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mitigation efforts aim to prevent or reduce the severity of future disasters. Building flood barriers is a proactive strategy to reduce the risk of flooding and its impact on the community, making it an example of mitigation

Question 28

Which of the following best describes the role of nurses in the response phase of disaster management?

A. Ensuring preparedness through training and drills.
B. Providing education on long-term disaster recovery.
C. Implementing emergency plans and providing immediate care.
D. Building infrastructure to prevent future disasters.

Answer 28

Answer: C. Implementing emergency plans and providing immediate care.

Rationale:
During the response phase, nurses focus on taking immediate action to address the needs of those affected by a disaster. This includes providing direct care, assisting with triage, and implementing emergency response plans to manage the situation effectively. The response phase is about dealing with the disaster in real time, not preparing for future disasters (which would fall under preparedness) or focusing on long-term recovery or mitigation.

Question 29

A community is assessing its readiness for emergencies and reviewing its response plans. This activity is part of which phase of disaster management?
A. Mitigation
B. Preparedness
C. Response
D. Recovery

Answer 29

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preparedness involves assessing and improving emergency response plans to ensure the community is ready to respond effectively to a disaster. Activities like reviewing and updating plans, conducting drills, and ensuring resource availability all fall under this phase.

Question 30

During the recovery phase of a disaster, which action is a priority for healthcare providers?
A. Preventing further damage by mitigating risk factors.
B. Providing immediate life-saving care.
C. Restoring healthcare services and community infrastructure.
D. Educating the community on emergency preparedness.

Answer 30

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During the recovery phase, healthcare providers play a critical role in restoring healthcare services and infrastructure to help the community return to normal functioning. This includes rebuilding medical facilities and providing ongoing care to those affected by the disaster.

Question 31

Which of the following is an essential element of disaster preparedness for healthcare providers?
A. Offering trauma care during a disaster.
B. Engaging in proactive community education and planning.
C. Focusing on long-term recovery strategies.
D. Building flood barriers to prevent damage.

Answer 31

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Disaster preparedness for healthcare providers includes planning, education, and resource management. It is essential to engage in proactive activities, such as educating the community, ensuring that emergency plans are in place, and preparing supplies to respond effectively in the event of a disaster.