During a mass shooting, which action is appropriate for the charge nurse?

Establishing a holding area for discharged clients during a mass shooting is essential for managing patient care and safety. By creating a space where patients who are ready for discharge can wait, the charge nurse can effectively control the flow of individuals within the facility. This helps ensure that discharged clients do not compound the situation by leaving the unit, which may contribute to crowding or chaos, especially in a time of crisis when resources may be stretched thin.

Additionally, having a designated area for patients who are ready to be discharged allows healthcare staff to monitor these clients, ensuring they are not in harm’s way and that follow-up procedures are adhered to. This method of managing discharged clients is part of a broader strategy to maintain order and safety within the healthcare environment during an emergency situation like a mass shooting.

In contrast, other options may not prioritize patient safety or effective management of the crisis. For instance, switching to paper documentation could lead to confusion or workflow disruptions that can hinder patient care. Providing frequent updates to the media, while important for public relations, is secondary to immediate patient care needs. Limiting discharges could lead to negative outcomes for patients who need to leave, and thus may not be the most appropriate action considering the overarching goal of providing effective healthcare