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?

The APN, also known as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has advanced knowledge and expertise in pharmacology and medication management. They are trained to assess medication interactions, evaluate potential risks, and provide guidance to ensure safe and effective medication use.

The other members of the interdisciplinary team listed are not specifically trained to address medication interactions:

1. Social worker: Social workers focus on addressing psychosocial aspects of care, such as emotional support, counseling, and resource coordination. While they may provide valuable assistance in various areas of the client's care, they typically do not have specialized knowledge in medication interactions.
2. Patient care technician: Patient care technicians, also known as nursing assistants or certified nursing assistants, provide direct patient care under the supervision of nurses. They do not typically have the training or authority to address medication interactions.
3. Psychologist: Psychologists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional health concerns. While they may be involved in the client's overall care, including medication management for mental health conditions, their expertise lies primarily in psychological assessment and therapy rather than medication interactions.

During an external chemical disaster, it is crucial to minimize the exposure of clients to the hazardous substance. Moving clients to a room above ground level with few windows can help reduce the risk of exposure to the chemical and its fumes. This is because many hazardous chemicals tend to be denser than air and may settle closer to the ground. Choosing a room above ground level and with fewer windows can provide a safer environment.

Turning on fans in the facility to circulate air can actually worsen the situation by spreading the chemical and its fumes throughout the facility, potentially exposing more individuals.

Covering the electrical outlets with wet towels is not directly related to preparing for an external chemical disaster. It may be more relevant during a fire emergency to prevent the spread of flames, but not for chemical exposure.

Opening the fireplace dampers in the day room can allow the entry of outside air and potentially introduce more of the hazardous substance into the facility.