A community health nurse is assigned to identify activities that are a part of the prevention/mitigation phase of the disaster management cycle. Which of the following activities should the nurse identify as being in the prevention/mitigation phase?

Choice A reason: Mitigation is not the correct level of the National Response Framework, as it refers to the actions taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from natural or man-made hazards. Mitigation activities include implementing building codes, zoning ordinances, land use planning, and flood insurance programs. Mitigation is a continuous process that occurs before, during, and after a disaster.

Choice B reason: Security is not the correct level of the National Response Framework, as it refers to the actions taken to protect the nation from threats or attacks by terrorists, criminals, or hostile states. Security activities include conducting intelligence operations, screening travelers and cargo, enforcing laws and regulations, and preventing cyberattacks. Security is a shared responsibility among federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners.

Choice C reason: Preparedness is the correct level of the National Response Framework, as it refers to the actions taken to plan, organize, equip, train, and exercise to build and sustain the capabilities necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from those threats that pose the greatest risk. Preparedness activities include developing emergency plans, conducting drills and exercises, educating the public, and establishing partnerships and coordination mechanisms. Preparedness is a continuous cycle of improvement that involves assessing needs, setting goals, implementing plans, and evaluating outcomes.

Choice D reason: The response phase is not the correct level of the National Response Framework, as it refers to the actions taken to save lives, protect property and the environment, stabilize the situation, and meet basic human needs in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Response activities include activating emergency operations centers, deploying resources and personnel, providing mass care and sheltering, restoring critical infrastructure and services, and conducting search and rescue operations. Response is a short-term process that aims to restore normalcy as soon as possible.

Choice A reason: It is a tool that is used to determine your maximum level of self-sufficiency as the appropriate nursing response, as it accurately describes the purpose and function of the FIM. The FIM measures how much assistance you need to perform 18 activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, toileting, walking, and communicating. The FIM helps to evaluate your functional status, monitor your progress, and plan your rehabilitation goals and interventions. ¹²³

Choice B reason: It is a test that determines which activities you feel most comfortable performing is not an appropriate nursing response, as it does not reflect the objective and standardized nature of the FIM. The FIM is not a subjective or self-reported measure of your preferences or comfort level, but rather an observational and rating scale that assesses your actual performance and independence in various tasks. The FIM uses a 7-point ordinal scale that ranges from 1 (total assistance) to 7 (complete independence) and requires trained and certified raters to administer and score it. ¹²³

Choice C reason: It is a tool used by insurance companies to determine qualifications for medical reimbursement is not an appropriate nursing response, as it does not capture the primary purpose and benefit of the FIM. The FIM is not a financial or administrative tool that determines your eligibility or coverage for medical services, but rather a clinical and research tool that measures your functional outcomes and quality of care. The FIM provides a uniform system of measurement for disability based on the International Classification of Impairment, Disabilities, and Handicaps and allows for comparison and evaluation of different rehabilitation programs and settings. ¹²³

Choice D reason: It is a tool that is used to assess what services you will need a home health aide to perform for you is not an appropriate nursing response, as it does not reflect the comprehensive and multidimensional scope of the FIM. The FIM is not a specific or limited tool that assesses only your home care needs or dependence on others, but rather a general and broad tool that assesses your functional abilities and disabilities in various domains and environments. The FIM covers both motor and cognitive aspects of functioning, such as comprehension, expression, social interaction, problem-solving, and memory. The FIM can be used with all diagnoses within rehabilitation and can be applied across different levels and settings of care.