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HESI Case Study: Natural Disasters in
a Small Community Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
A tornado destroys homes in a small community. What is the nurse’s first action upon arrival at the disaster site?✔✔Triage survivors based on severity of injuries.
What is the best immediate intervention for a client found unresponsive under rubble?✔✔Establish airway and assess breathing.
A child is separated from their parents after a flood. What should the nurse do first?✔✔Ensure the child’s safety and notify disaster response teams for family reunification.
What is the nurse’s priority when multiple clients arrive with open wounds after a hurricane?✔✔Clean and dress wounds promptly to prevent infection.
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An elderly client is found dehydrated after three days without power or water. What is the nurse’s first action?✔✔Provide oral or IV fluids to restore hydration.
A family has lost their home in a wildfire. What is the nurse’s first step in providing psychosocial support?✔✔Offer a safe environment and connect them to crisis counseling.
What is the nurse’s first action when arriving at a community shelter after a disaster?✔✔Assess for immediate medical needs among shelter residents.
A client with diabetes loses their insulin during an evacuation. What should the nurse do?✔✔Contact medical supply teams and arrange replacement insulin.
What is the nurse’s role in preventing disease outbreaks after a flood?✔✔Promote hand hygiene, safe water use, and proper sanitation.
What is the nurse’s priority when identifying overcrowding in a disaster shelter? 2 / 4
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✔✔Prevent spread of communicable diseases by ensuring proper spacing and ventilation.
What should the nurse do first when a client in a shelter reports chest pain?✔✔Initiate emergency assessment and arrange immediate transfer to acute care.
How should the nurse address medication needs of clients with chronic conditions after a disaster?✔✔Coordinate with pharmacies and relief organizations to provide essential medications.
What is the nurse’s role in reducing stress among children after a disaster?✔✔Provide safe activities and emotional reassurance.
What is the nurse’s first action if potable water supply is disrupted after a hurricane?✔✔Educate residents to boil or disinfect water before use.
What should the nurse do when identifying clients at risk for hypothermia after a blizzard?✔✔Provide blankets, warm fluids, and safe heated shelter.
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A pregnant woman in her third trimester arrives at a shelter. What is the nurse’s priority?✔✔Assess fetal movement and maternal health status.
What is the nurse’s role in managing grief after a disaster?✔✔Offer supportive listening and connect survivors to mental health resources.
How should the nurse address sanitation issues when latrine facilities are damaged?✔✔Work with response teams to establish temporary safe waste disposal methods.
What should the nurse do if clients are exposed to contaminated flood water?✔✔Educate about skin cleansing, wound care, and signs of infection.
What is the nurse’s priority for a client with asthma in a smoky wildfire environment?✔✔Provide access to inhalers and ensure a clean air environment if possible.
How should the nurse help families prepare for future disasters after recovery?✔✔Educate on emergency kits, evacuation plans, and community resources.
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