Question

A major portion of a construction project has collapsed. The emergency department (ED) has been notified that numerous victims are being transported to the ED. What should be the first action of the ED nurses?

1.Assess department for resources—staff, beds, equipment.
2.Implement personnel recall system.
3.Discharge stable clients.
4.Set up a temporary morgue.

Answer 1

The first action of ED nurses when expecting numerous victims from a construction collapse is to assess the department for resources—staff, beds, and equipment—to effectively allocate resources for patient care.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an emergency department is notified about numerous victims being transported due to a construction collapse, the first action of the ED nurses should be to assess the department for resources—including staff, beds, and equipment. This is crucial to ensure a systematic approach to the incoming influx of patients, and to strategically allocate resources for optimal care. Once resources are assessed, other actions such as implementing a personnel recall system, discharging stable clients, and setting up a temporary morgue may follow depending on the severity and needs of the situation. The emergency department staff are trained to make fast, efficient decisions and to prioritize tasks in a way that maximizes their ability to provide urgent medical care.