Week 5 Sherpath: Natural Events, Disasters, and Mass Casualties

What is the origin of most forest fires? A. People B. Drought C. Lightning D. Thunderstorms

A. People People are at the origin of most forest fires.

Match the type of forest fire with its characteristic. 1. Usually caused by lightning 2. Common; burns along forest floor 3. Exacerbated by drought or dry conditions A. Ground B. Surface C. Crown

1. A 2. B 3. C

Match the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rating with the type of damage expected. 1. Category 1 2. Category 2 3. Category 3 4. Category 4 or 5 A. Frame homes may have major roof and siding damage B. Large branches snap; power outages for a few days C. No power or water for several days to weeks D. Areas may be uninhabitable

1. B 2. A 3. C 4. D

On the Fujita Scale, an F0 tornado's fastest winds (without gusts) are ____________miles per hour. Use numbers only.

72 The Fujita Scale lists an F0 tornado's winds to be between 40 mph and 72 without gusts.

The nurse is most likely to care for patients with which conditions following a volcanic eruption? Select all that apply. A. Eye debris B. Skin irritation C. Breathing difficulty D. Myocardial infarction E. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

A, B and C Eye debris Because volcanoes emit gas, ash, and flying debris, people are prone to getting particles in eyes. Skin irritation Because volcanoes emit gas, ash, and flying debris, people are prone to skin irritation. If patients come in to contact with lava, third degree burns could result. Breathing difficulty Because volcanoes emit gas and ash, people are prone to respiratory difficulties.

Which are waterborne diseases that may accompany flooding? Select all that apply. A. Shigella B. Giardiasis C. Hepatitis A D. Hepatitis B E. Hepatitis C

A, B and C Shigella Shigella is a water-borne disease. Giardiasis Giardiasis is a water-borne disease. Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is a water-borne disease.

Which is a characteristic of freezing rain? Select all that apply. A. Forms a coating or glaze of ice B. Can freeze to trees, cars, and roads C. Accumulates like snow and causes hazards to motorists D. Falls onto a surface whose temperature is below freezing E. Rain drops freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground

A, B and D Forms a coating or glaze of ice Freezing rain forms a coating or glaze of ice. Can freeze to trees, cars, and roads Freezing rain can freeze to trees, cars, and roads. Falls onto a surface whose temperature is below freezing Freezing rain falls onto a surface that has a temperature below freezing.

The nurse should plan to advise which coastal residents to evacuate when planning for a hurricane? Select all that apply. A. One who lives near a river B. One who lives in a mobile home C. One who lives on a small island offshore D. One who lives in a house 50 miles inland E. One who lives on the top floor of a high rise building on the coast

A, B, C and E One who lives near a river People who live near rivers or flood plains are at risk for flooding. One who lives in a mobile home Those living in mobile homes are at risk for high wind damage and should plan to evacuate. One who lives on a small island offshore Residents who live on offshore islands should plan to leave the area. One who lives on the top floor of a high rise building on the coast Hurricane winds are strongest at higher elevations, so someone living in a top floor of a high-rise building should plan to leave.

Which teaching will the nurse provide to a community who is preparing before hurricane season? Select all that apply. A. Buy drinking water. B. Make plans for pets. C. Purchase perishable food. D. Gather flashlights and batteries. E. Trim trees so branches do not fly into home. F. Cover as much of your house as possible with heavy plastic sheeting.

A, B, D and E Buy drinking water. Buying water to store is an appropriate way to prepare for a hurricane. Make plans for pets. It is appropriate to make plans for pet safety during a hurricane. Purchase perishable food.Nonperishable food should be purchased, since these can be stored for longer times. Gather flashlights and batteries. Gathering flashlights and batteries is an appropriate way to prepare for a hurricane. Trim trees so branches do not fly into home. It is appropriate to trim trees so that branches do not fly into the home during a hurricane.

Which nursing action is appropriate when a person in proximity to a forest fire reports feeling unwell? Select all that apply. A. Complete a full assessment. B. Perform a limited assessment. C. Inspect nostrils and oral cavity. D. Recognize that symptoms may occur later. E. Acknowledge that the patient is probably fine.

A, C and D Complete a full assessment. Nurses should complete a full assessment of patients who have been exposed to fire and smoke. Inspect nostrils and oral cavity. This action allows the nurse to assess for signs of smoke inhalation. Recognize that symptoms may occur later. This action is important, because symptoms of smoke inhalation can develop later.

In the immediate aftermath of a tornado disaster, which type of injury is the nurse most likely to treat? A. Blunt trauma from flying debris B. Depression from loss of home C. Myocardial infarction from fear D. Gastrointestinal discomfort from tainted water

A. Blunt trauma from flying debris The nurse is very likely to care for someone in the immediate aftermath of a tornado who has been hit by flying debris.

Which weather-related condition in the United States has the highest annual associated mortality? A. Heat B. Lightning C. Tornadoes D. Hurricanes

A. Heat Heat has the highest annual associated mortality.

Which term indicates that blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet may occur in the next 12-48 hours? A. Winter storm watch B. Winter storm outlook C. Winter storm warning D. Winter weather advisory

A. Winter storm watch A winter storm watch is issued when the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is anticipated. Usually these are issued 12-48 hours before the event is expected to begin.

Which does the nurse understand causes the highest morbidity and mortality associated with water disasters? A. Lightning B. Drowning C. High winds D. Water-borne diseases

B. Drowning The highest source of morbidity and mortality associated with a water disaster is drowning.

Which does the nurse identify as true about lightning? A. Only severe thunderstorms have lightning. B. Lightning rods include metal objects and trees. C. A bolt of lightning can be as hot as 5,000 degrees F. D. Lightning is a significant source of morbidity and mortality.

B. Lightning rods include metal objects and trees. Metal objects and trees are lightning rods.

What should the public health nurse teach a community about finding shelter in case of an earthquake? A. Attempt to drive away from the site of shaking. B. Move outside into the widest open area possible. C. Get under a table to protect self from falling debris. D. Stay close to the building's exit doorways or structural walls.

B. Move outside into the widest open area possible. The public health nurse should teach the people to move outside into the widest open area possible.

The nurse identifies that populations living in which areas are most prone to significant earthquakes? A. The Midwest plains B. The fault lines in California C. The northeastern seaboard D. The regions surrounding the Gulf Coast of Mexico

B. The fault lines in California Those living along California's fault lines are at highest risk for significant earthquakes.

What does the nurse identify as the leading cause of death related to winter storms? A. Frostbite B. Transportation accidents C. Malnutrition due to impaired access to food D. Cardiovascular events associated with shoveling snow

B. Transportation accidents Transportation accidents are the leading cause of death related to winter storms.

A tropical cyclone has been reported to have maximum sustained winds of 68 mph. How is this storm categorized? A. Hurricane B. Tropical storm C. Major hurricane D. Tropical depression

B. Tropical storm Tropical storms have maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph.

Which fire extinguisher(s) does the nurse recommend a person buy that are useful to extinguish small and minor vehicle fires? A. Class AB B. Class A and Class B C. Class B and Class C D. Class A and Class C

C. Class B and Class C Class B fights oil, gas and grease fires. Class C is used on electrical fires. Both are useful for small, minor vehicle fires.

Which is a sign of hypothermia? A. Flaccid limbs B. Hyper alertness C. Delayed speech D. Body temperature of 92 degrees

C. Delayed speech Hypothermia is characterized by delayed speech.

Which does the nurse identify as accurate regarding licensure to practice in another state during an emergency? A. Nurses from any state in the U.S. may freely practice in any other U.S. state during an emergency situation. B. Only nurses in neighboring border states may practice in the state where an emergency occurred. C. Emergency licensure arrangements can be made by a State Board of Nursing, if the Board determines more nurses are needed. D. Military nurses are the only nurses who may practice across state lines in times of emergency.

C. Emergency licensure arrangements can be made by a State Board of Nursing, if the Board determines more nurses are needed. State Boards of Nursing have autonomy to place emergency licensure arrangements into place as needed.

Which information will the nurse give to a person who asks about leaving their home in a car during a flood? A. Do not drive alone to ensure safety. B. Contact neighbors to help drive people to a safer area. C. Move to the highest area of your home and call for help. D. It is safer to drive away from the flood zone than to remain at home.

C. Move to the highest area of your home and call for help This is the safest way for people to avoid drowning during a flood situation.

Who is at highest risk for disease and health disorders following a flood? A. Individual with ankle fracture B. Someone with a shoulder separation injury C. Person who stayed in a shelter for several days D. One who served as a volunteer during rescue efforts

C. Person who stayed in a shelter for several days The person who stayed in a shelter is more likely to be affected by compromises in hygiene, which can lead to disease and health disorders.

Which principle associated with RACE does the nurse teach? A. "A" stands for "Aim." B. "E" stands for "Evacuate." C. RACE actions are to be sequentially followed. D. RACE includes steps solely meant to evacuate people from harm.

C. RACE actions are to be sequentially followed. RACE must be sequentially followed.

The emergency department nurse heard on the radio that an area experienced an F4 tornado. Which degree of cumulative damage does the nurse expect? A. Mild B. None C. Severe D. Moderate

C. Severe F4 and F5 tornadoes have extremely high winds and are most likely to produce severe amounts of cumulative damage.

The nurse instructs people to keep which type of fire extinguisher in the house for small electrical fires? A. Type A B. Type B C. Type C D. Type AB

C. Type C Type C is used to put out electrical fires.