Question

An emergency department nurse is a member of an All-Hazards Disaster Preparedness planning group. The group is developing a specific emergency response plan in the event that a client with smallpox arrives in the emergency department. Which interventions should be included in the plan? Select all that apply.

A. Isolate the client.
B. Don protective equipment immediately.
C. Notify infectious disease specialists, public health officials, and the police.
D. Lock down the emergency department and the entire hospital immediately.
E. Identify all client contacts, including transport services to the emergency department and clients in the waiting room.
F. Administer smallpox vaccines to all hospital staff, client contacts, and clients sitting in the emergency department waiting room immediately.

Answer 1

In an emergency response plan for a client with smallpox arriving in the emergency department, interventions such as isolating the client, wearing protective equipment, notifying relevant authorities, and administering smallpox vaccines should be included.

Step-by-step explanation:

When developing an emergency response plan for a client with smallpox arriving in the emergency department, the following interventions should be included:

1. Isolate the client: It is important to isolate the client to prevent the spread of the disease to others.
2. Don protective equipment immediately: Healthcare professionals should wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and gowns, to protect themselves from the virus.
3. Notify infectious disease specialists, public health officials, and the police: It is crucial to inform the relevant authorities to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
4. Lock down the emergency department and the entire hospital immediately: Implementing a lockdown can help contain the virus and prevent its spread within the hospital.
5. Identify all client contacts: It is important to identify all individuals who came into contact with the client, including transportation services to the emergency department and clients in the waiting room. This will allow for effective contact tracing and monitoring.
6. Administer smallpox vaccines: Vaccination should be provided to hospital staff, client contacts, and clients sitting in the emergency department waiting room immediately to prevent the further spread of the disease.