Chapter 14: Disaster Management Stanhope: Foundations for Population Health in Community/Public Health Nursing, 5th Edition

Chapter 14: Disaster Management Stanhope: Foundations for Population Health in Community/Public Health Nursing, 5th Edition 1. Which of the following best defines a disaster? a. Any event that results in multiple deaths b. Devastation that cannot be relieved without assistance c. Devastation that covers a broad geographic area d. When the event results in multiple injuries and deaths as well as property damage ANS: B A disaster is any human-made or natural event that causes disruption, destruction, or devastation that cannot be relieved without external assistance. A disaster does not need to involve injuries or deaths. The devastation may not cover a broad area, rather the main concept of the definition of a disaster is that it can not be relieved without assistance. 2. Which of the following best describes countries that bear the greatest burden of disasters? a. Arid regions that are prone to drought b. Developing countries with limited resources c. Industrialized countries with much to lose d. Water-boundary regions that are prone to floods and hurricanes ANS: B Disasters create the most devastation in developing countries. The people of low socioeconomic status suffer the most because their houses are less sturdy and they have fewer resources and less means of social security. The climate and location of the country does not relate to its risk of bearing the burden of disasters. Industrialized countries have a higher socioeconomic status and can better address disasters if they occur.