Emergency and ambulatory care nurses are among the first healthcare workers to encounter victims of a bioterrorist attack. List in order of priority the actions that should be taken by ED staff in the event of a biochemical incident.

1. Report to the public health department or CDC per protocol.
2. Decontaminate the affected individuals in a separate area.
3. Protect the environment for the safety of personnel and non-affected clients.
4. Don personal protective equipment.
5. Perform triage according to protocol.

What is the correct order of actions to be taken by ED staff in the event of a biochemical incident?

A. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
B. 2, 1, 4, 3, 5
C. 4, 2, 3, 1, 5
D. 3, 4, 1, 2, 5

Emergency and ambulatory care nurses have a vital role in responding to biochemical incidents by following specific actions during bioterrorist attacks. Hence option 3) 4, 2, 3, 1, 5 is correct.

Explanation:

Emergency and ambulatory care nurses play a crucial role in responding to biochemical incidents. In the event of a bioterrorist attack, ED staff should follow a specific set of actions:

Don personal protective equipment
Decontaminate the affected individuals in a separate area
Report to the public health department or CDC per protocol
Protect the environment for the safety of personnel and nonaffected clients
Perform triage according to protocol