Disaster Response and Emergency Preparedness Related

Review Disaster Response and Emergency Preparedness related questions and content

A public health nurse is discussing the principle of utilitarianism when responding to a disaster with a group of nurses. Which of the following actions is an example of utilitarianism?

  • A. Reusing personal protective equipment (PPE) to increase its availability
  • B. Providing care to the youngest victims first
  • C. Providing treatment to victims in the order of their arrival to the emergency department (ED)
  • D. Using resources on victims who are more likely to survive
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Utilitarianism prioritizes the greatest good for the most people. Using resources on victims more likely to survive (D) maximizes overall outcomes. Reusing PPE (A) is practical but not inherently utilitarian, while age-based (B) or arrival-based (C) care doesn't optimize survival.