Emergency and Disaster Nursing
1. Emergency Nursing
Definition: Emergency nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the rapid assessment, stabilization, and care of patients with acute illness or injury requiring immediate attention to save life or prevent disability.
Principles of Emergency Nursing
* Rapid assessment and prioritization of care
* Maintenance of airway, breathing, and circulation
* Prompt stabilization of life-threatening conditions
* Use of triage system for patient prioritization
* Prevention of complications and disability
* Continuous monitoring of vital signs
* Teamwork and effective communication
* Safe and timely intervention
* Psychological support to patient and family
* Documentation of all care provided
2. Role of Nurse in Emergency Department
Patient Care Role
* Assess patient condition quickly and accurately
* Perform triage and prioritize patients
* Maintain airway and administer oxygen if needed
* Assist in CPR and resuscitation
* Monitor vital signs continuously
* Administer emergency medications
* Control bleeding and manage wounds
* Provide pain relief measures
Technical and Procedural Role
* Assist in intubation and defibrillation
* Prepare emergency equipment and drugs
* Start IV lines and fluid therapy
* Collect blood samples for investigations
* Assist in emergency procedures
Administrative Role
* Maintain emergency records and documentation
* Coordinate with doctors and other departments
* Ensure availability of emergency supplies and equipment
* Maintain infection control practices
* Participate in disaster preparedness planning
Psychological and Supportive Role
* Provide emotional support to patient and family
* Reduce anxiety and fear
* Communicate clearly about patient condition
3. Disaster Nursing
Definition: A disaster is a sudden or expected event causing large-scale damage, destruction, and disruption, leading to human, material, environmental, and economic losses that exceed the ability of the affected community to cope using its own resources.
Types of Disaster
Natural Disasters
These occur due to natural forces of the earth.
* Earthquake
* Flood
* Cyclone
* Tsunami
* Drought
* Landslides
* Volcanic eruptions
Man-made Disasters
These are caused by human activities or negligence.
* Industrial accidents
* Fire accidents
* Nuclear disasters
* Chemical leakage
* Terrorist attacks
* Transportation accidents (train, road, air crashes)
* War and riots
Previous Year Questions (INC & ANC)
1. Define emergency nursing and explain its principles.
2. Describe the role of a nurse in emergency department.
3. Define disaster. Explain types of disaster with examples.
4. Write short notes on disaster management cycle.
5. Explain triage system in disaster management.
6. Describe priorities of care in emergency situations.
7. Write short notes on Basic Life Support (BLS).
8. Explain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) basics.
9. Describe nursing management of a patient with shock.
10. Write short notes on hemorrhagic shock and its management.
11. Explain management of respiratory emergencies.
12. Describe management of cardiac arrest.
13. Write short notes on CPR technique.
14. Explain emergency management of poisoning cases.
15. Describe management of snake bite and insect bite.
16. Write short notes on mass casualty management.
17. Explain role of nurse during disaster response phase.
18. Describe emergency management of burns in disaster situations.
19. Write short notes on ambulance services and pre-hospital care.
20. Explain communication and coordination during disaster management.
21. Describe psychological support in disaster situations.
22. Write short notes on first aid principles.
23. Explain management of fracture and trauma in emergency care.
24. Describe emergency management of head injury.
25. Write short notes on hypovolemic shock.
26. Explain role of nurse in disaster preparedness and planning.
27. Describe infection control in emergency and disaster situations.
28. Write short notes on emergency drugs used in ICU/ER.
29. Explain hospital disaster management plan.
30. Describe ethical issues in emergency and disaster nursing.
