The hospital's Emergency Operations Committee is working on their disaster plan. In which components should nurses be included? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Choice A reason: Nurses performing duties outside of the nurses' typical job description is a component that should include nurses. In a disaster situation, nurses may have to assume roles and responsibilities that are beyond their usual scope of practice, such as triage, first aid, or mass casualty management. Nurses should be trained and prepared to perform these duties safely and effectively.

Choice B reason: A plan for comprehensive practice drills is a component that should include nurses. Practice drills are essential for testing and improving the disaster plan, as well as enhancing the skills and confidence of the staff. Nurses should participate in regular and realistic drills that simulate different types of disasters and scenarios.

Choice C reason: Identification of resources to meet anticipated needs for food, water, and supplies is a component that should include nurses. In a disaster situation, the demand for resources may exceed the supply, and the availability of resources may be disrupted or limited. Nurses should be involved in identifying and prioritizing the essential resources that are needed to provide care and support to the clients and staff.

Choice D reason: An internal and external communication plan is a component that should include nurses. In a disaster situation, communication is vital for coordinating actions, sharing information, and providing updates. Nurses should be aware of the communication channels and protocols that are used within and outside the hospital, such as radios, phones, or social media.

Choice E reason: Discharge all surgical clients who are one day or more post-op is not a component that should include nurses. This is not a realistic or appropriate strategy for reducing the hospital's occupancy or workload in a disaster situation. Discharging surgical clients who are still recovering may compromise their health outcomes and increase their risk of complications or readmission.

Choice A reason: Plantar flexion is the movement of the foot that points the toes downward. It is not a test for gait, but rather a test for muscle strength and nerve function in the lower leg.

Choice B reason: Romberg is a test for balance and coordination that involves asking the client to stand with their feet together and arms at their sides, first with their eyes open and then with their eyes closed. If the client sways or falls when their eyes are closed, it indicates a problem with their proprioception, which is the sense of position and movement of the body. Ataxia is a condition that affects proprioception and causes impaired gait, so Romberg is an appropriate test for it.

Choice C reason: Achilles reflex is the contraction of the calf muscle when the Achilles tendon is tapped. It is not a test for gait, but rather a test for spinal cord function and nerve damage in the lower leg.

Choice D reason: Patellar reflex is the extension of the lower leg when the patellar tendon is tapped. It is not a test for gait, but rather a test for spinal cord function and nerve damage in the upper leg.