# A community health nurse is developing an emergency preparedness plan for a vulnerable population shelter during a natural disaster. Which action should be the nurse's first priority when establishing the disaster response protocol?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=542809  
> language: ko  
> subject: Leadership Management

## 문제

A community health nurse is developing an emergency preparedness plan for a vulnerable population shelter during a natural disaster. Which action should be the nurse's first priority when establishing the disaster response protocol?

## 보기

1. Conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment of the shelter population to identify specific need **✔ 정답**
2. Establish communication protocols with local emergency management agencies
3. Stockpile emergency medical supplies and medications for common chronic conditions
4. Train shelter staff on basic first aid and emergency response procedures

**정답: 1**

## 해설

The first priority is conducting a comprehensive vulnerability assessment to identify specific needs, as it guides all subsequent planning. Other actions like communication, stockpiling, and training are important but should be based on assessment findings.

## 심화 해설

Clinical Judgment
This question evaluates priority setting and a systematic approach when developing a disaster preparedness plan. The first and most critical step in disaster preparedness is accurately identifying the specific needs of the target population. Without a vulnerability assessment, all other planning (communication, stockpiling supplies, training) can become inefficient or even dangerous, failing to meet actual needs. In particular, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and families with infants and young children have different medical, functional, and psychological needs, so planning for them **must** be based on an assessment.

Memory Tip: Remember the first step in disaster preparedness planning with **F**irst **A**ssessment **B**efore **A**ction (FABA). **Assessment comes before action**.

KR vs US: Disaster preparedness in Korea often relies heavily on standardized manuals distributed by higher-level agencies (city, county, or district), whereas US NGN scenarios strongly emphasize the nurse's independent judgment and a community-based, tailored assessment. Clearly defining 'for which population' the plan is being made is the starting point for everything.

## 임상 시나리오

Clinical Practice Guide
Disaster preparedness planning follows systematic steps: 1) Vulnerability assessment → 2) Risk analysis and resource mapping → 3) Protocol establishment (communication, evacuation, etc.) → 4) Supply preparation → 5) Education and training → 6) Evaluation and improvement. The Step 1 assessment serves as the foundational data for Steps 2 through 6.
Caution: In SATA (Select All That Apply) questions asking for the "first priority," beware of attractive distractors that disrupt the logical sequence of planning. For example, "establishing communication protocols" or "stockpiling supplies" are very important, but they are not actions you can start first without knowing *for whom and for what* you are preparing.

## 핵심 개념

- **Vulnerability Assessment** — Vulnerability assessment. A process of systematically analyzing the risks that specific individuals or groups may face in disaster or crisis situations, along with their coping abilities and degree of resource deficiency. It serves as the foundation for disaster preparedness planning.
- **Disaster Preparedness** — Disaster preparedness. Activities to establish plans and prepare resources in advance to effectively respond to natural or man-made disasters, minimize damage, and recover quickly.
- **Emergency Management Agency** — Emergency management agency. A public organization that coordinates disaster response and recovery at the local, state, and federal levels. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is the representative federal agency in the United States.
- **Shelter-in-Place** — Shelter-in-place. A strategy of staying safe and waiting in your current location (home, workplace, etc.) when evacuating outside during a disaster is more dangerous. This is an important option for vulnerable populations.
- **Functional Needs** — Functional needs. Specific requirements of an individual who may need help with daily activities, communication, medical management, etc. Includes assistance with mobility, communication, medical management, supervision, and other activities of daily living.

## 같은 주제 문제

- [A public health nurse is developing an emergency preparedness plan for a vulnerable popula…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=542808)
- [A community health nurse is developing an emergency preparedness plan for a vulnerable pop…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=542810)

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