A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty walking following a stroke. For which of the following members of the interprofessional team should the nurse request a referral?

Choice A reason: Placing a surgical mask on the client during transfer to the unit is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take. Cutaneous anthrax is not transmitted through respiratory droplets, but through direct contact with the spores that enter the skin. A surgical mask does not protect the client or others from the infection.

Choice B reason: Preparing to administer antibiotics to the client is an appropriate action for the nurse to take. Cutaneous anthrax is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus anthracis, which can be treated with antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. Antibiotics can prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious complications.

Choice C reason: Planning to administer an antiviral medication to the client is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take. Cutaneous anthrax is not caused by a virus, but by a bacterium. Antiviral medications are ineffective against bacterial infections and may cause adverse effects or interactions.

Choice D reason: Wearing an N95 respirator mask while caring for the client is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take. An N95 respirator mask is used to protect the nurse from airborne pathogens, such as tuberculosis or measles. Cutaneous anthrax is not airborne, but contact-based. The nurse should wear standard precautions, such as gloves and gown, and wash their hands thoroughly after caring for the client.

Choice A reason: Returning unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock is an appropriate action to include in the cost-containment plan. This action prevents waste and saves money by reusing the supplies that are not contaminated or expired.

Choice B reason: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is not an appropriate action to include in the cost-containment plan. This action compromises the quality and safety of care by increasing the risk of infection and cross-contamination. Sterile gloves are required for colostomy care to prevent introducing microorganisms into the stoma or the pouch.

Choice C reason: Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours is not an appropriate action to include in the cost-containment plan. This action violates the infection control and medication administration policies. Opened bottles of normal saline should be discarded after 24 hours or after a single use, depending on the facility's protocol. Refrigerating the bottles does not extend their shelf life or sterility.

Choice D reason: Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full is not an appropriate action to include in the cost-containment plan. This action poses a hazard and a liability for the staff and the clients. Sharps containers should be disposed of when they are three-quarters full or according to the manufacturer's instructions. Overfilling the containers can cause needlestick injuries or spillage of contaminated materials.