A nurse is caring for a client who suspects recent exposure to inhalation anthrax. Which of the following findings indicate possible exposure?
Vesicles on the skin
Respiratory failure
Sloughing of skin
Flu-like symptoms
None
None
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Vesicles on the skin are not typical of inhalation anthrax; instead, they are more associated with cutaneous anthrax, which presents as papules that progress to vesicles and then black eschars.
Choice B reason: Respiratory failure can occur later in the course of inhalation anthrax, but it is not an early finding. It usually develops after the initial phase of nonspecific symptoms when the illness progresses to severe respiratory distress and shock.
Choice C reason: Sloughing of skin is not characteristic of inhalation anthrax. Similar to vesicles, skin sloughing may be associated with severe cutaneous infections or other dermatologic conditions, not the respiratory form of anthrax.
Choice D reason: Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, malaise, muscle aches, and mild chest discomfort, are the initial and most indicative early findings of inhalation anthrax. These nonspecific symptoms often appear within several days after exposure before progressing to severe respiratory compromise.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because smallpox is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that can be used as a biological weapon. Smallpox was eradicated in 1980, but some samples of the virus are still stored in laboratories. If released intentionally, smallpox could cause a global pandemic.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because hydrogen cyanide is a chemical weapon of mass destruction, not a biological one. Hydrogen cyanide is a colorless gas that interferes with cellular respiration and causes rapid death.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because botulism is a serious and potentially fatal illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulism can be used as a biological weapon by contaminating food or water supplies or by aerosolizing the toxin.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because anthrax is an infection caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax can be used as a biological weapon by releasing the spores into the air or by contaminating food or water sources.
Choice E Reason: This is incorrect because sarin is a chemical weapon of mass destruction, not a biological one. Sarin is a nerve agent that blocks the transmission of nerve impulses and causes respiratory failure and death.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. Sinus bradycardia is a slow and regular heart rate that originates from the sinus node. It does not cause irregular palpitations, fatigue, or dizziness, unless the heart rate is very low or the client has underlying cardiac disease.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Sinus tachycardia is a fast and regular heart rate that originates from the sinus node. It may cause fatigue or dizziness, but not irregular palpitations or pulse deficit.
Choice C Reason: This is correct. Atrial fibrillation is a fast and irregular heart rate that originates from multiple foci in the atria. It causes irregular palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, and pulse deficit due to ineffective atrial contractions and variable ventricular response.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. First-degree AV block is a delay in the conduction of impulses from the atria to the ventricles. It does not affect the heart rate or rhythm, and does not cause any symptoms.
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