MCQ Quiz: Emergency & Disaster Planning

Pharmacists are critical members of the community during emergencies and disasters, playing a vital role in ensuring medication access and public health. A pharmacist’s preparedness and understanding of their role in a crisis can have a significant impact on community resilience. This quiz covers the general principles of emergency and disaster planning as they relate to the pharmacy profession.

1. The four primary phases of emergency management are:

• a. Triage, Treatment, Transport, and Recovery
• b. Planning, Responding, Rebuilding, and Reporting
• c. Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
• d. Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, and Evaluation

Answer: c. Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

2. Which phase of emergency management involves actions taken to prevent or reduce the impact of a disaster before it occurs?

• a. Preparedness
• b. Response
• c. Recovery
• d. Mitigation

Answer: d. Mitigation

3. A hospital pharmacy developing a plan for how to continue operations during a power outage is an example of which phase?

• a. Preparedness
• b. Response
• c. Recovery
• d. Mitigation

Answer: a. Preparedness

4. The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is:

• a. A national repository of emergency funds.
• b. A reserve of military personnel.
• c. The nation’s repository of life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for a public health emergency.
• d. A network of emergency shelters.

Answer: c. The nation’s repository of life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for a public health emergency.

5. During a declared state of emergency, state laws may temporarily allow pharmacists to:

• a. Prescribe all medications without restriction.
• b. Dispense emergency refills of essential chronic medications without a current prescription.
• c. Close the pharmacy indefinitely.
• d. Refuse to serve any patients.

Answer: b. Dispense emergency refills of essential chronic medications without a current prescription.

6. The “Response” phase of emergency management focuses on:

• a. Actions taken long before a disaster to reduce its impact.
• b. Actions taken immediately before, during, and after a disaster to save lives and meet basic human needs.
• c. Actions taken to return a community to its normal state.
• d. Writing a report about the disaster.

Answer: b. Actions taken immediately before, during, and after a disaster to save lives and meet basic human needs.

7. A “Point of Dispensing” (POD) site is established during a public health emergency to:

• a. Provide long-term primary care.
• b. Rapidly dispense medications or administer vaccines to a large population.
• c. Serve as a command center for first responders.
• d. Offer mental health counseling only.

Answer: b. Rapidly dispense medications or administer vaccines to a large population.

8. What is a key challenge for patients with chronic conditions during a disaster?

• a. Finding new hobbies.
• b. Disruption in access to their essential medications and medical supplies.
• c. An overabundance of healthy food choices.
• d. Having too much free time.

Answer: b. Disruption in access to their essential medications and medical supplies.

9. The pharmacist’s role in the “Preparedness” phase includes having a plan for:

• a. Securing controlled substances in the event of a flood or fire.
• b. Backing up prescription records and patient data.
• c. Communicating with staff and other healthcare facilities.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

10. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, what is a primary public health concern that pharmacists can help address?

• a. Ensuring patients with diabetes have access to insulin.
• b. Preventing the spread of waterborne illnesses through counseling on water safety.
• c. Providing information on how to manage minor injuries.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

11. The “Recovery” phase of emergency management involves:

• a. Only the immediate response efforts.
• b. Long-term actions to rebuild and return the community to a state of normalcy.
• c. Preventing the disaster from happening.
• d. The initial assessment of damage.

Answer: b. Long-term actions to rebuild and return the community to a state of normalcy.

12. A pharmacist volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is participating in:

• a. A mandatory government program.
• b. A community-based system of volunteers that supplements local public health initiatives.
• c. An international aid organization.
• d. A for-profit company.

Answer: b. A community-based system of volunteers that supplements local public health initiatives.

13. A key element of a pharmacy’s disaster plan should be:

• a. A list of all employees’ favorite foods.
• b. A plan for communicating with employees and having an established chain of command.
• c. A schedule for the annual holiday party.
• d. The marketing budget for the next year.

Answer: b. A plan for communicating with employees and having an established chain of command.

14. During a pandemic, a community pharmacy often serves as:

• a. A primary site for testing and vaccination.
• b. A trusted source of public health information.
• c. An essential point of access for medications.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

15. What is one of the biggest challenges in dispensing from the Strategic National Stockpile?

• a. The medications are all expired.
• b. The logistics of receiving, repackaging, and dispensing massive quantities of medication quickly.
• c. The medications are all brand name and too expensive.
• d. There are not enough medications available.

Answer: b. The logistics of receiving, repackaging, and dispensing massive quantities of medication quickly.

16. A key part of personal disaster preparedness for a pharmacist is:

• a. Having a “go-bag” with personal medications, water, and important documents.
• b. Knowing their pharmacy’s emergency plan.
• c. Having a family communication plan.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

17. Why is it important to have a plan for securing controlled substances during a disaster like a hurricane?

• a. To prevent theft and diversion.
• b. To protect them from damage.
• c. To comply with DEA regulations.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

18. In a mass casualty event, pharmacists may be called upon to assist with:

• a. Triage.
• b. First aid.
• c. Compounding large batches of medications.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

19. An “all-hazards” approach to emergency planning means:

• a. Planning for only one specific type of disaster.
• b. Developing a general plan that can be adapted for any type of emergency, be it natural or man-made.
• c. Ignoring potential hazards.
• d. Planning only for events that have happened in the past.

Answer: b. Developing a general plan that can be adapted for any type of emergency, be it natural or man-made.

20. A pharmacist’s most valuable asset in a disaster is their:

• a. Knowledge of medications and the healthcare system.
• b. Ability to compound.
• c. Accessibility to the public.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

21. During a pandemic, a key role for pharmacists is to:

• a. Dispense misinformation found on social media.
• b. Combat misinformation with evidence-based facts.
• c. Refuse to dispense any medications.
• d. Close the pharmacy to protect themselves.

Answer: b. Combat misinformation with evidence-based facts.

22. An “after-action report” is a key part of which phase of emergency management?

• a. Preparedness
• b. Response
• c. Recovery and Mitigation
• d. It is not part of emergency management.

Answer: c. Recovery and Mitigation

23. A shelter-in-place order during a chemical spill is an example of what type of emergency action?

• a. A preventative measure.
• b. A response action to protect the public.
• c. A recovery effort.
• d. A mitigation strategy.

Answer: b. A response action to protect the public.

24. What is a major consideration for patients on dialysis during a disaster like a hurricane?

• a. They will no longer need dialysis during the emergency.
• b. Access to dialysis centers, which may be closed or without power.
• c. The need for a low-potassium diet if they miss treatments.
• d. Both b and c.

Answer: d. Both b and c.

25. A pharmacist counseling a patient after a flood should advise them to:

• a. Use any medications that got wet, as long as they look okay.
• b. Discard any medications that may have been contaminated by floodwater.
• c. Keep all medications, regardless of their condition.
• d. Dry out wet tablets in the sun.

Answer: b. Discard any medications that may have been contaminated by floodwater.

26. Maintaining a cold chain for refrigerated medications like insulin is a major challenge during:

• a. A prolonged power outage.
• b. A snowstorm.
• c. An earthquake.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

27. A key to effective disaster response is:

• a. A single agency working alone.
• b. Interagency collaboration and communication.
• c. Waiting for federal assistance before taking any action.
• d. Relying solely on volunteers.

Answer: b. Interagency collaboration and communication.

28. Why is it important for a pharmacy to have backup power?

• a. To keep the lights on.
• b. To maintain refrigeration for medications.
• c. To operate computers and process prescriptions.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

29. The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standardized management tool for:

• a. Organizing the response to an emergency or disaster.
• b. Managing pharmacy inventory.
• c. Triaging patients in a clinic.
• d. Writing pharmacy policies.

Answer: a. Organizing the response to an emergency or disaster.

30. A pharmacist can prepare for disasters by:

• a. Becoming familiar with their state’s emergency dispensing laws.
• b. Participating in local emergency planning meetings.
• c. Volunteering for an organization like the Medical Reserve Corps.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

31. A patient needs an emergency supply of their blood pressure medication but the pharmacy cannot contact the prescriber. The pharmacist should:

• a. Refuse to fill the prescription.
• b. Check state laws and regulations regarding emergency dispensing and provide a limited supply if permissible.
• c. Tell the patient to go to the emergency room.
• d. Give the patient a one-year supply.

Answer: b. Check state laws and regulations regarding emergency dispensing and provide a limited supply if permissible.

32. The “Strategic” part of the Strategic National Stockpile means:

• a. It contains strategic military weapons.
• b. The assets are strategically placed in secret locations around the country for rapid deployment.
• c. It is only for strategic, high-level government officials.
• d. It is a stock-trading strategy.

Answer: b. The assets are strategically placed in secret locations around the country for rapid deployment.

33. In the event of a bioterrorism event involving anthrax, pharmacists would be critical in dispensing:

• a. Pain medications
• b. Prophylactic antibiotics like doxycycline or ciprofloxacin.
• c. Antivirals
• d. Antifungals

Answer: b. Prophylactic antibiotics like doxycycline or ciprofloxacin.

34. The “Recovery” phase can often be the longest and most difficult phase of a disaster.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

35. A key mental health consideration for both victims and responders after a disaster is:

• a. The risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• b. That everyone will be fine immediately after the event.
• c. The need to avoid talking about the event.
• d. That mental health is not a concern.

Answer: a. The risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

36. A key part of a pharmacy’s emergency plan is identifying alternative locations or methods to operate from if the primary building is unusable.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

37. Which of the following would be an essential medication to have available in a public shelter during a disaster?

• a. High-end cosmetic creams.
• b. Basic first aid supplies and medications for common chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
• c. Experimental cancer therapies.
• d. Only pediatric medications.

Answer: b. Basic first aid supplies and medications for common chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

38. A pharmacist working in a disaster shelter is asked a question they don’t know the answer to. The best response is to:

• a. Guess the answer.
• b. Admit they don’t know and consult a reliable resource or refer to another professional.
• c. Ignore the question.
• d. Tell the person to look it up online.

Answer: b. Admit they don’t know and consult a reliable resource or refer to another professional.

39. Communication with the public during a disaster is critical for:

• a. Spreading rumors.
• b. Providing accurate information and instructions to prevent panic and promote safety.
• c. Keeping everyone in the dark.
• d. It is not important.

Answer: b. Providing accurate information and instructions to prevent panic and promote safety.

40. The pharmacist’s role in public health is a key concept in the pharmacy curriculum.

• a. True
• b. False

Answer: a. True

41. During a disaster, the demand for which type of medications often increases?

• a. Medications for anxiety and insomnia.
• b. Tetanus boosters after injuries.
• c. Medications for chronic conditions that patients were displaced without.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

42. Which of the following is NOT a natural disaster?

• a. A hurricane
• b. An earthquake
• c. A terrorist attack
• d. A tornado

Answer: c. A terrorist attack

43. A key lesson from past disasters like Hurricane Katrina is the importance of:

• a. Robust planning for the needs of vulnerable populations with chronic diseases.
• b. Assuming the federal government will handle everything immediately.
• c. Having minimal supplies on hand.
• d. Limited communication between different agencies.

Answer: a. Robust planning for the needs of vulnerable populations with chronic diseases.

44. A pharmacy’s emergency plan should be:

• a. Created once and never reviewed again.
• b. Reviewed and updated regularly, and staff should be trained on it.
• c. Kept secret from all staff members except the manager.
• d. Very long and complicated.

Answer: b. Reviewed and updated regularly, and staff should be trained on it.

45. What is one of the main goals of the “Mitigation” phase?

• a. To respond to an active emergency.
• b. To rebuild after a disaster.
• c. To reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of a disaster.
• d. To conduct an after-action review.

Answer: c. To reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of a disaster.

46. Building a flood wall around a hospital is an example of what kind of emergency management activity?

• a. Response
• b. Recovery
• c. Mitigation
• d. Preparedness

Answer: c. Mitigation

47. “Triage” in an emergency setting is the process of:

• a. Providing definitive treatment to all victims.
• b. Sorting and prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries.
• c. Transporting all victims to the hospital.
• d. Documenting the event.

Answer: b. Sorting and prioritizing patients based on the severity of their injuries.

48. Why is it important for pharmacists to be involved in local emergency planning committees?

• a. To ensure the pharmaceutical and medication-access aspects of the plan are robust and realistic.
• b. It is a good networking opportunity.
• c. To fulfill a continuing education requirement.
• d. All of the above.

Answer: d. All of the above.

49. An “all-hazards” plan prepares for common operational challenges across multiple disaster types, such as:

• a. Communication failures
• b. Resource shortages
• c. Staffing issues
• d. All of the above

Answer: d. All of the above

50. The ultimate goal of emergency and disaster planning in pharmacy is to:

• a. Ensure the pharmacy can maintain business continuity and continue to serve the public health needs of the community during a crisis.
• b. Close the pharmacy at the first sign of trouble.
• c. Make a large profit from the disaster.
• d. Wait for instructions from the federal government.

Answer: a. Ensure the pharmacy can maintain business continuity and continue to serve the public health needs of the community during a crisis.