A nurse working in an acute care facility’s emergency department shoul

A nurse working in an acute care facility’s emergency department should recognize which of the following client reports as being most suspicious of a terrorist attack?

1. Four deaths resulting from a privately owned airplane crashing into a four-story building
2. Numerous reports of respiratory distress among older adults who attended an outdoor musical event
3. 15 cases of nausea and vomiting reported over a 2-day period when 4 cases would be within normal for the facility
4. 10 children, all who attended a child-oriented arts and crafts fair, presenting with rashes on their hands and faces

ANSWER

ANS: 3
An unusual increase in the number of people seeking care, especially with fever, respiratory, or gastrointestinal complaints, is a classic indicator of such an event. While the other options present possible indicators, there are other possible reasons for the incidents.