Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Emergency Management and Disaster Planning Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Emergency Management and Disaster Planning related questions and content

Which of the following statements is true in relation to a disaster, whether natural or manmade?

  • A. Negatively affects society on many levels.
  • B. Requires a rapid and skilled response to action.
  • C. Is managed by a community's existing resources.
  • D. Requires urgent intervention to avoid worsening of the situation.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A disaster is the outcome of a natural event (e.g., hurricane, flood, snowstorm) or a result of human action or error, whether malicious (e.g., terrorist attacks, use of biological warfare) or unintentional (e.g., an accidental chemical spill), that negatively affects society, the environment, or both. It is an emergency, not a disaster, that may be described as an event that requires a rapid and skilled response to protect the health, safety, and wellness of individuals and to limit damage to property. Emergency situations are typically able to be quickly managed without requiring the support and resources of other communities.