A charge nurse is discussing disaster response with nursing staff. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS)?

Rationale:

A. Making a copy of the incident report for the provider is not necessary; the report should be handled according to the facility’s protocol.

B. Submitting the incident report to the risk manager ensures it is reviewed and addressed appropriately, which is crucial for risk management and quality improvement.

C. Placing the incident report in the client’s chart is not appropriate as it is considered a confidential document related to quality and safety, not part of the client’s medical record.

D. Documenting in the chart that an incident report has been filed is not sufficient; the report should be submitted to the risk management team for review.

Rationale:

A. Check to see if the elbow restraint is in place for an infant who is postoperative from a surgical correction of a cleft palate is the most critical task to ensure that the infant is safe and that the postoperative care is being managed correctly.

B. Wash the hair of an adolescent who reports extreme fatigue and is scheduled for radiation therapy for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma is less urgent compared to tasks directly related to patient safety and postoperative care.

C. Collect a stool sample for ova and parasites from a school-age child is important but not as urgent as checking the safety equipment for a postoperative infant.

D. Engage a toddler in play is beneficial but less urgent than tasks related to immediate postoperative care and safety.