What action should the nurse take after a disaster survivor receives a high score on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R)?

After a disaster survivor receives a high score on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the appropriate action is to refer the individual for further evaluation. A high score on the IES-R indicates significant distress related to the traumatic event, suggesting that the individual may be experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorder (ASD). This score serves as an indicator of the need for more in-depth assessment and potential intervention.

Referring for further evaluation allows mental health professionals to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the survivor's psychological state, identify specific needs, and develop a tailored approach to treatment. Timely intervention can be critical in preventing the development of chronic conditions related to trauma.

Simply repeating the test may not provide additional useful information if the individual is already showing significant distress. Declining to act based on the belief that a high score is expected could lead to overlooking necessary support for the survivor. While assessing for a history of abuse or neglect is important in understanding an individual's background, it should not replace the critical step of referring for evaluation when confronted with high distress levels related to a recent disaster.