The nurse is often a key person on the disaster

The nurse is often a key person on the disaster planning team. The potential for disaster
must be identified; this is best achieved by completing an exhaustive chemical and hazard
inventory of the workplace. The MSDSs and plant blueprints are critical for correctly
identifying substances and work areas that may be hazardous. Worksite surveys are the
first step to completing this inventory.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Remember (Knowledge) REF: p. 601
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Which of the following describes how occupational health nursing differs from other
nursing specialties? (Select all that apply.)
a It is autonomous, because the occupational nurse works independently.
b The major focus is on the environment.
c Nurses focus on health promotion and disease prevention.
d Nursing care is given in the community.
ANS: A, B
Occupational health specialty practice focuses on the promotion, prevention, and
restoration of health within the context of a safe and healthy environment. It involves the
prevention of adverse health effects from occupational and environmental hazards. It
provides for and delivers occupational and environmental health and safety services to
workers, worker populations, and community groups. It is an autonomous specialty, and
nurses make independent nursing judgments in providing health care. All nurses should
engage in health promotion and disease prevention, and many specialties provide care in
the community. Several specialties (such as advanced practice nurses) are required to be
nationally certified to be employed.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: p. 586
2. An occupational health nurse should be aware of which of the following trends in the
marketplace? (Select all that apply.)
a A majority of new jobs will be in service-oriented employment.
b Employees will often have compressed work weeks, shift work, and reduced
job security.
c A majority of positions will still be held by males.
d Many employees will be older and suffer chronic health problems.
ANS: A, B, D
Longer hours, compressed work weeks, shift work, reduced job security, and part-time
and temporary work are realities of the modern workplace. The workforce will become
older, including many employees with chronic health problems. By the year 2020,

minorities are projected to constitute 20.6% of the workforce and women approximately
47% of the workforce (Toossi, 2012). The U.S. economy was once based on agriculture,
then primarily on manufacturing, and now on highly technological positions. Currently,
service-providing positions account for virtually all job growth; soon almost one of every
two worker jobs will be in service positions.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: p. 588
3. Which of the following explains why some occupational health specialists are very
concerned about chemicals in the workplace? (Select all that apply.)
a All chemicals are inherently dangerous to humans.