An older patient asks the nurse, "What can we do to be prepared if there's a disaster in our community?" How should the nurse respond?

Question

1. "There is not really much we can do to be prepared."
2. "Plan to evacuate your home at a moment's notice."
3. "Make sure all your important papers, health information, medication information, and next-of-kin information is in one place."
4. "Make sure you can call your family to come and pick you up if this happens."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3

The nurse should suggest this patient be prepared. One step is to have a current list of medications, doses, and times of administration that should be kept in an easily-accessible, secure place. The names and phone numbers of significant persons, relatives, those with power of attorney, healthcare providers, and any others to be notified in case of emergency should also be kept in an easily accessible place. Planning can significantly reduce adverse outcomes in the event of a disaster. Not all disasters require immediate evacuation from the home. Phone communication may not be possible during the initial phases of a disaster.