Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The correct answer is to establish a triage system. In a disaster or mass casualty situation, the primary goal is to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Establishing a triage system allows for the rapid assessment and prioritization of patients based on the severity of their injuries and the likelihood of survival. This ensures that limited resources are allocated efficiently and that those with the most urgent needs receive care first.

While documenting patient information is important, it's secondary to triage in the initial stages of disaster response. Contacting family members, though compassionate, is not the immediate priority during the acute phase of disaster management. Administering pain medication to all patients could potentially mask important symptoms and is not a standard first step in mass casualty incidents.

By prioritizing the establishment of a triage system, emergency nurses can effectively manage the influx of patients and optimize patient outcomes in a disaster situation.