A nurse is working as part of a community disaster response team. When responding to a community disaster, the nurse integrates understanding of individuals' responses, anticipating which of the following?

Question

A) People can become aggressive and violent when their basic needs are threatened.
B) People involved in the disaster will always put the welfare of others before their own.
C) Losses incurred during the disaster have little, if any, long-term effect on victims.
D) The psychological distress associated with disasters is felt immediately.

Answer 1

Ans: A
In a disaster, shelter, money, and food may not be available. The absence of basic human needs such as food, a place to live, or immediate transportation quickly becomes a priority that may precipitate acts of violence. Additionally, the victims may experience economic distress because of job loss and loss of other resources. This may ultimately lead to psychological distress, potential acts of aggression, and other mental health problems. Long-term mental health consequences are evident in most disasters.