An occupational health nurse in the clinic of an industrial plant is developing a guidebook for clinic workers. Which of the following actions should the nurse include as a secondary prevention strategy?

Choice A reason: Nurses performing duties outside of the nurses' typical job description is a component that should include nurses. In a disaster situation, nurses may have to assume roles and responsibilities that are beyond their usual scope of practice, such as triage, first aid, or mass casualty management. Nurses should be trained and prepared to perform these duties safely and effectively.

Choice B reason: A plan for comprehensive practice drills is a component that should include nurses. Practice drills are essential for testing and improving the disaster plan, as well as enhancing the skills and confidence of the staff. Nurses should participate in regular and realistic drills that simulate different types of disasters and scenarios.

Choice C reason: Identification of resources to meet anticipated needs for food, water, and supplies is a component that should include nurses. In a disaster situation, the demand for resources may exceed the supply, and the availability of resources may be disrupted or limited. Nurses should be involved in identifying and prioritizing the essential resources that are needed to provide care and support to the clients and staff.

Choice D reason: An internal and external communication plan is a component that should include nurses. In a disaster situation, communication is vital for coordinating actions, sharing information, and providing updates. Nurses should be aware of the communication channels and protocols that are used within and outside the hospital, such as radios, phones, or social media.

Choice E reason: Discharge all surgical clients who are one day or more post-op is not a component that should include nurses. This is not a realistic or appropriate strategy for reducing the hospital's occupancy or workload in a disaster situation. Discharging surgical clients who are still recovering may compromise their health outcomes and increase their risk of complications or readmission.

Choice A: Collaborate with a physical therapist to develop programs for injured employees to return to work. This is incorrect because this is a tertiary prevention strategy, not a secondary prevention strategy. Tertiary prevention aims to restore function and prevent disability or complications after an injury or illness has occurred.

Choice B: Help plant workers identify signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. This is correct because this is a secondary prevention strategy. Secondary prevention aims to detect and treat health problems early before they become more serious or chronic. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common occupational health problem that can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Early identification and treatment can prevent permanent nerve damage and disability.

Choice C: Organize an influenza immunization campaign. This is incorrect because this is a primary prevention strategy, not a secondary prevention strategy. Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury from occurring in the first place, by reducing exposure or risk factors. Influenza immunization can protect plant workers from getting infected by the flu virus and reduce the spread of the disease.

Choice D: Teach plant workers about proper lifting techniques. This is incorrect because this is also a primary prevention strategy, not a secondary prevention strategy. Proper lifting techniques can prevent musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, and herniated discs, by avoiding excessive stress on the spine and joints.