A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child immediately following a tonic-clonic seizure.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

During a mass casualty event, it is crucial for the nurse to assess and determine the acuity level (severity) and number of casualties who will be arriving at the healthcare facility. This information helps in planning and organizing resources, triaging patients based on their needs, and ensuring that appropriate care is provided to those who require immediate attention.

Delegating tasks to emergency health care specialists is a role that may be performed by a nurse in a leadership or supervisory position. However, the immediate priority for the nurse is to assess and triage incoming casualties.

Providing informational updates to members of the media is usually handled by designated spokespersons or communication specialists within the healthcare facility or incident command system. Nurses are primarily focused on patient care and should not be responsible for media communication during a mass casualty event.

Assisting in discharging stable clients to home is not directly related to the immediate response and care of casualties from a mass casualty event. The nurse's focus in such situations is primarily on the management of the incoming casualties and ensuring the availability of resources and care for those who require immediate attention.

Turn cellular phones to silent mode: In an active shooter situation, it is crucial to maintain silence to avoid drawing attention to your location. Switching cellular phones to silent mode helps ensure that ringtones or notifications do not alert the shooter to your presence.

Wave hands to attract the attention of law enforcement: When law enforcement or emergency personnel arrive at the scene, it is essential to signal to them that you are not a threat and that you require assistance. This can be done by putting hands up, keeping them visible, and following any instructions provided by law enforcement.

Move wounded clients to a safe area before finding shelter: It is important to prioritize the safety of individuals involved in an active shooter situation. However, moving wounded clients should be done only if it can be done quickly and without putting oneself or others at risk. The primary goal is to seek safety and follow established protocols, such as "run, hide, fight" principles, rather than focusing on moving injured individuals during an ongoing threat.

Attempt to bargain with the shooter: Bargaining or negotiating with an active shooter is strongly discouraged. It is important to remember that the primary goal in an active shooter situation is to ensure personal safety and the safety of others. Engaging with the shooter may escalate the situation or put oneself and others at greater risk.

The in-service should focus on providing staff members with practical guidance on how to respond to an active shooter situation, emphasizing the importance of following established protocols, staying calm, and seeking safety. Additionally, the in-service should include training on recognizing and reporting suspicious behavior, as prevention and early intervention can play a crucial role in mitigating such incidents.