A nurse in an assisted-living facility is reinforcing teaching with staff members about preparing for an external chemical disaster. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Turn on fans in the facility to circulate air." Fans should not be turned on during a chemical disaster because they can spread contaminants throughout the facility, increasing exposure to toxic substances. B. "Open the fireplace dampers in the day room." Opening fireplace dampers can allow contaminated air to enter the facility, increasing the risk of exposure. Sealing off potential entry points for hazardous chemicals is a priority in these situations. C. "Cover the electrical outlets with wet towels." While sealing gaps and vents can help reduce chemical exposure, using wet towels over electrical outlets is not an effective protective measure. Instead, doors, windows, and ventilation systems should be sealed as much as possible to prevent outside air from entering. D. "Move clients to a room above ground with few windows." In an external chemical disaster, sheltering in place is essential. A room above ground is preferable because many chemicals are heavier than air and can accumulate in lower levels. Selecting a space with few windows helps minimize exposure by reducing potential entry points for contaminants.