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 D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because these values indicate respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by hyperventilation or excess loss of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). Respiratory alkalosis increases the blood pH and decreases the HCO3- level.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because these values indicate metabolic alkalosis, which is caused by excess intake or retention of bases or loss of acids. Metabolic alkalosis increases the blood pH and the HCO3- level.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because these values indicate respiratory acidosis, which is caused by hypoventilation or excess retention of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). Respiratory acidosis decreases the blood pH and increases the HCO3- level.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because these values indicate metabolic acidosis, which is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. These values indicate metabolic acidosis, which is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. Metabolic acidosis occurs when the kidneys are unable to excrete excess acids or retain enough bicarbonate (HCO3-), which is a base that buffers the blood pH. As a result, the blood pH decreases and becomes more acidic. The normal range for blood pH is 7.35 to 7.45, for HCO3- is 22 to 26 mEq/L, and for PaCO2 is 35 to 45 mm Hg.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because placing ice to the bridge of the client’s nose can cause vasoconstriction and reduce blood flow to the nasal mucosa.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because tilting the client's head backward can cause blood to drain into the throat and increase the risk of aspiration, nausea, and vomiting.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because moving the client into high-Fowler position can lower the blood pressure in the head and neck and decrease bleeding.
Choice D reason Reason This is incorrect because instructing the client to blow his nose can dislodge any clots that have formed and worsen bleeding.
Choice E Reason: This is correct because applying pressure to the nares can compress the bleeding site and promote clotting.

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