A nurse is caring for a client who has been suspected of recent exposure to anthrax by inhalation. Which of the following findings would indicate the client has been exposed?
Flu-like symptoms
Vesicles on the skin
Respiratory failure
Flaccid paralysis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Flu-like symptoms: This is correct. Inhalation anthrax initially presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and malaise. This early presentation can progress to severe respiratory distress and systemic illness.
B. Vesicles on the skin: This is incorrect. Vesicular lesions are more characteristic of diseases such as smallpox or chickenpox, not anthrax.
C. Respiratory failure: While respiratory failure can occur with advanced inhalation anthrax, it is a later-stage complication rather than an initial finding.
D. Flaccid paralysis: This is incorrect. Flaccid paralysis is not a typical symptom of anthrax exposure but may be associated with diseases such as botulism.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer pain medication: Pain management is not the primary intervention for exposure to anthrax; the focus should be on addressing the disease directly.
B. Administer antibiotic therapy: This is correct. Post-exposure prophylaxis with antibiotics is crucial in preventing the development of anthrax, especially after exposure to spores.
C. Administer an antiviral medication: This is incorrect. Anthrax is caused by bacteria, not viruses, so antiviral medications are not effective.
D. Administer an antitoxin: While antitoxins are used in treating symptomatic anthrax, the immediate and appropriate action for exposure is to start antibiotic therapy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It provides an area where clients can be provided a shower and privacy." This is incorrect. While decontamination areas may include showers for client decontamination, the primary rationale is more focused on preventing contamination rather than providing privacy.
B. "It provides a centralized area for the triage of all clients as they arrive to the facility." This is incorrect. Centralized triage is important but not the primary reason for a decontamination area.
C. "It prevents secondary contamination to the facility and its healthcare providers." This is correct. The primary rationale for a designated decontamination area is to prevent secondary contamination of the facility and its personnel by removing contaminants from individuals before they enter the healthcare environment.
D. "It serves as a holding area that isolates the clients who have been exposed to the agent." This is incorrect. Isolation may be a component, but the main purpose of decontamination is to prevent contamination spread.
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