Thundering

Introduction: Thunder is a natural phenomenon that occurs as a result of

lightning. Thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air around a
lightning bolt, which causes a shock wave that travels through the air and
reaches our ears as a loud rumble or clap. Thunder can be a fascinating natural
occurrence to witness, but it can also be dangerous and have serious
consequences.

Definition:
Thunder is a loud, explosive sound that occurs when lightning heats up the air
around it, causing it to expand rapidly and create a shock wave that travels
through the air.

Types:
There are two main types of thunder:
1. Ordinary thunder: Ordinary thunder is the most common type and is
produced by the normal heating and cooling of the air around a lightning
bolt.
2. Explosive thunder: Explosive thunder is less common and is produced
by a particularly strong lightning bolt that creates a more powerful shock
wave.

Cause :
here are points on the causes of thunder:

• Thunder is caused by lightning, which is a discharge of electricity that

occurs between clouds, within a single cloud, or between a cloud and the
ground.

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 • When lightning strikes, it heats up the air around it to an extremely high
temperature, causing it to expand rapidly and create a shock wave.

• The shock wave travels through the air and reaches our ears as a loud
rumble or clap, which we perceive as thunder.

• The intensity of thunder depends on the distance from the lightning bolt,
the intensity of the lightning bolt, and the acoustics of the surrounding
environment.
 Thunder that is closer to us will sound louder and have a more intense
rumble, while thunder that is further away will sound quieter and have a
more muffled sound.
 Thunder can also be caused by volcanic eruptions, which can create
lightning and thunder due to the release of gases and ash into the
atmosphere.
 Sonic booms from aircraft can also produce thunder-like sounds, although
these sounds are not true thunder since they are not caused by lightning.
 In rare cases, man-made explosions or sonic booms can also produce
thunder-like sounds.
 Thunder can also occur during snowstorms, known as thunders now, due
to the rapid uplift of moist, unstable air.
 Some types of clouds, such as cumulonimbus clouds, are more likely to
produce thunder and lightning due to their size and vertical development.

Perception:
Thunder can be perceived differently depending on various factors, such as the
distance from the lightning bolt, the intensity of the lightning bolt, and the
acoustics of the surrounding environment. Thunder that is closer to us will

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sound louder and have a more intense rumble, while thunder that is further away
will sound quieter and have a more muffled sound.

Consequence:
Thunder can have several consequences, including damage to buildings and
structures, power outages, and injuries or fatalities from lightning strikes.
Thunder can also cause anxiety, fear, and stress in some people, particularly
those with phobias or anxiety disorders.

Emergency Management:
here are on emergency management for thunderstorms:

• If you are outdoors during a thunderstorm, seek shelter immediately in a

sturdy building or car. Avoid seeking shelter under trees, near metal
objects, or near bodies of water..

• If you are unable to find shelter, crouch down low with your feet
together, and cover your ears and head with your hands. Avoid lying flat
on the ground.

• If someone is struck by lightning, seek emergency medical attention

immediately. Lightning strikes can cause serious injuries or fatalities. • If
you are indoors during a thunderstorm, avoid using electrical

• appliances or taking a shower or bath. Lightning can travel through

electrical wiring and plumbing, so these activities can put you at risk of
electrocution.

• Stay away from windows, doors, and concrete walls during a

• Thunderstorm These can conduct electricity and increase the risk of

injury from lightning strikes.

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 • Unplug electronic equipment and appliances during a thunderstorm to
protect them from power surges.

• If you are driving during a thunderstorm, pull over to the side of the road
and turn off your car. Stay inside the car and avoid touching metal
surfaces.

• If you are on a boat during a thunderstorm, head to shore as quickly and

safely as possible. Avoid touching metal surfaces or electrical
equipment.

• If you are in a group during a thunderstorm, spread out to reduce the risk
of multiple people being struck by lightning.

• Follow local weather updates and warnings to stay informed about

severe weather in your area.

Nursing management:
Here are on nursing management for thunderstorm-related emergencies:

• As a nurse, it is important to educate patients and their families about

thunderstorm safety, including the importance of seeking shelter and
avoiding high-risk activities during thunderstorms.

• If a patient is struck by lightning, assess them for injuries and provide

immediate emergency care, including CPR if necessary.

• Monitor patients who have been exposed to lightning for symptoms of

injury or shock, such as burns, neurological deficits, or cardiac
arrhythmias.

• If a patient is experiencing anxiety or fear related to thunderstorms,

provide emotional support and reassurance, and consider referring them
to counseling services if necessary.

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 • If a patient has a pre-existing medical condition that may be exacerbated
by thunderstorms, such as a heart condition or respiratory illness,
monitor their symptoms closely during severe weather and adjust their
treatment plan as necessary.

• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and

emergency responders, to develop and implement emergency plans for
thunderstorm-related emergencies.

• Provide patient education about the importance of preparing for

thunderstorms by having emergency supplies on hand, such as a first aid
kit, flashlights, and non-perishable food and water.

• Encourage patients to stay informed about severe weather in their area

by following local weather updates and warnings.

• In a hospital or healthcare setting, ensure that emergency equipment and

supplies are readily available and that staff are trained in emergency
procedures related to thunderstorms.

• Continuously evaluate and revise nursing care plans related to

thunderstorm emergencies to ensure that they are effective and evidence-
based.

Medical management:
here are points on medical management for thunderstorm-related emergencies:

• If a patient is struck by lightning, perform a thorough assessment of their

injuries and provide immediate emergency care, including CPR if
necessary.

• Monitor patients who have been exposed to lightning for symptoms of

injury or shock, such as burns, neurological deficits, or cardiac
arrhythmias.

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 • Provide appropriate pain management for patients with injuries related to
thunderstorms, such as burns or fractures.

• If a patient has a pre-existing medical condition that may be exacerbated

by thunderstorms, such as a heart condition or respiratory illness, adjust
their treatment plan as necessary and monitor their symptoms closely
during severe weather.

• Use appropriate diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) or

imaging studies, to evaluate patients with suspected lightning- related
injuries.

• Administer medications as appropriate to manage symptoms related to

thunderstorm-related injuries, such as analgesics, anti-

• inflammatory agents, or anti-arrhythmic drugs.

• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and

emergency responders, to develop and implement emergency plans for
thunderstorm-related emergencies.

• Consider referral to specialized care providers, such as burn centers or

neurologists, for patients with severe or complex injuries related to
thunderstorms.

• In a hospital or healthcare setting, ensure that emergency equipment and

supplies are readily available and that staff are trained in emergency
procedures related to thunderstorms.

• Continuously evaluate and revise medical management plans related to

thunderstorm emergencies to ensure that they are effective and evidence-
based.

Prepared by:
Kakali Biswas
Roll : 44
B.Sc. in Post Basic Public Health Nursing
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Khulna Nursing College, Khulna