After a tsunami, what should the nurse prioritize?

Prioritizing the help for injured or trapped people after a tsunami is essential for several reasons. In the aftermath of such a disaster, there is often significant chaos, and individuals may be in urgent need of medical care due to injuries from debris or drowning. The immediate focus of emergency response is to assess and assist those who are most vulnerable and require urgent attention.

Search and rescue operations are critical, as many individuals may be unable to free themselves from hazardous situations. Providing first aid and facilitating transport for those who are severely injured is a foundational principle of disaster nursing practice, aligning with the triage protocols that prioritize care based on the severity of injuries and the immediacy of needs.

Other options present actions that could lead to further harm or ineffective disaster response. For example, staying inside a building surrounded by water could expose individuals to further risk from flooding or structural collapse. Ignoring gas leaks after a natural disaster can lead to explosions or hazardous gas exposure, which increases the danger to both responders and victims. Caution is always necessary when returning to any building post-disaster due to potential structural damage or lingering dangers, like unstable debris or uncontained hazards.

In summary, focusing on rescuing those injured or trapped reflects the first principles of disaster response,