Terrorism and the Use of Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Weapons
Tracking # 20-662205
Course overview
The use of biological and chemical weapons for warfare dates back many centuries. More modern incidents of terrorism using biological, chemical, or radiological weapons have occurred during and after the 20th Century. Given the potential for a terrorist attack using these types of agents, it is important for healthcare teams to have a working knowledge of the agents and weapons of war. There is a potential for serious harm to the public and to healthcare personnel without proper awareness and preparation. Awareness and preparation enable healthcare teams and the public to learn how to detect, respond and manage a terrorist event competently if such an event were to occur. Biological weapons include infectious agents and toxins caused by living organisms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists three categories of bioterrorism agents of A, B and C that are based on risk to public health and safety. Bioterrorism agents, chemical weapons, and the use of radiation for terrorist acts will be discussed. Additionally, responses to acts of bioterrorism and the need for preparedness are addressed from a local and national standpoint, including the role of healthcare personnel to assist the public to avoid the danger and suffering of a terrorist attack. No Test Required!
Subject areas
This course counts toward the state boards and subject areas below.
Arkansas State Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Psychiatric Technician Nurse
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Practitioner
District of Columbia Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Midwife
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Florida Board of Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Georgia Board of Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Professional Nurse
New Mexico Board of Nursing
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
Disclosure statements
Policy Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the policies of NurseCe4Less.com and the continuing nursing education requirements of the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation for registered nurses.
Continuing Education Credit Designation
This educational activity is credited for 4 hours at completion of the activity.
Statement of Learning Need
Biological weapons as acts of terrorism are a real possibility in the United States and worldwide. There is potential for serious harm to patients and healthcare personnel if a terrorist incident is not handled competently. Healthcare personnel have an important role to assist the public to learn of and to avoid the danger of a terrorist attack.
Course Purpose
To provide all members of the health team with knowledge of bioterrorism and preparedness to assist the public to avoid potential threats to safety.
Target Audience
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Registered Nurses, and other Interdisciplinary Health Team Members.
Disclosures
Dana Bartlett, BSN, MSN, MA, CSPI, William Cook, PhD, Douglas Lawrence, MA, Susan DePasquale, MSN, FPMHNP-BC – all have no disclosures. There is no commercial support.