Before the incident command officer stands down from the emergency plan, which question should the nursing supervisor ask?

Before the incident command officer stands down from the emergency plan, which question should the nursing supervisor ask?

• A. Are you sure no more victims are coming into the ED?
• B. Do all areas of the hospital have the supplies and personnel they need?
• C. Have all ED staff had the chance to eat and rest recently?
• D. Does the Chief Medical Officer agree this disaster is under control?

Answer: (B)

The focus of the nursing supervisor's inquiry should center around ensuring that all areas of the hospital are adequately equipped for ongoing operations after the incident command officer stands down. This involves confirming that necessary supplies and personnel are available to continue providing care and support to patients. Asking whether all areas have what they need signifies a proactive approach to patient safety and hospital functionality, especially in a post-disaster scenario where resources may have been strained. It reinforces the need to maintain an organized and efficient healthcare environment even after the immediate crisis has been addressed. Other questions, while they may seem relevant, do not directly address the overarching concern for hospital readiness. For instance, confirming that victims have stopped arriving, assessing staff rest periods, or obtaining agreement from the Chief Medical Officer are important but secondary to ensuring the foundational elements of care (like supplies and staffing) are solidly in place before transitioning back to regular operations.

The focus of the nursing supervisor's inquiry should center around ensuring that all areas of the hospital are adequately equipped for ongoing operations after the incident command officer stands down. This involves confirming that necessary supplies and personnel are available to continue providing care and support to patients.

Asking whether all areas have what they need signifies a proactive approach to patient safety and hospital functionality, especially in a post-disaster scenario where resources may have been strained. It reinforces the need to maintain an organized and efficient healthcare environment even after the immediate crisis has been addressed.

Other questions, while they may seem relevant, do not directly address the overarching concern for hospital readiness. For instance, confirming that victims have stopped arriving, assessing staff rest periods, or obtaining agreement from the Chief Medical Officer are important but secondary to ensuring the foundational elements of care (like supplies and staffing) are solidly in place before transitioning back to regular operations.