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Self Test

Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism:
Medical Response to Mass Casualties

Scenario 3

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Which of the following statements most accurately describes expected psychosocial responses to mass casualty radiological events?

Widespread panic is expected due to fear of radiation.

Severe, recurrent vomiting may manifest as a response to stress and mimic radiation-induced prodromal symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will immediately manifest in up to 30% of patients.

Bystanders typically initiate rescue and response efforts.

The most seriously injured casualties, triaged as immediate, arrive first at the hospital.

Principles of psychological first aid include:

Provision of good medical care is of primary importance.

Promote debriefing by providing reminders of the traumatic event.

Separate families according to gender.

Understand that primarily victims with a previous history of psychiatric illness are vulnerable.

All of the above.

If this dirty bomb was laced with an alpha emitting radioisotope, then:

Radiation burns are more likely.

Skin and clothing will not protect from physical injury.

Rotating care givers may be necessary.

Injury due to inhalation is more likely since alpha particles travel extensive distances in air.

None of the above.

This patient, and many of the others standing in the ambulatory lines for radiological screening and/or decontamination, are requesting potassium iodide (KI) administration. KI is most beneficial when:

Administered to patients over the age of 50.

Used specifically to treat victims contaminated by a RDD explosion.

Contraindications such as pregnancy are considered.

Administered to patients with thyroid disease.

None of the above.

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