A nurse is caring for a client who was exposed to anthrax.
Which of the following antibiotics should the nurse plan to administer?

Choice A rationale:

Confusion can be a symptom of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. The condition develops when your body can’t produce enough insulin. Insulin normally plays a key role in helping sugar (glucose) — a major source of energy for your muscles and other tissues — enter your cells. Without enough insulin, your body begins to break down fat as fuel. This process produces a buildup of acids in the bloodstream called ketones, eventually leading to diabetic ketoacidosis if untreated.

Choice B rationale:

Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is another common symptom of DKA. High blood sugar levels can cause increased urination, leading to dehydration and an increased feeling of thirst.

Choice C rationale:

A rapid pulse is also a symptom of DKA. This is because the body is trying to compensate for the low amount of fluid in your blood vessels due to dehydration.

Choice D rationale:

Clammy skin is not typically a symptom of DKA. It’s more commonly associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), not hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) which is what occurs in DKA1.

Choice A rationale:

Liothyronine (Cytomel) is a type of thyroid hormone used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. However, it is not typically used to treat hyperthyroidism.

Choice B rationale:

Liotrix (Thyrolar) is a combination of two thyroid hormones, levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3), used to treat hypothyroidism, and to prevent and treat goiter. Similar to Liothyronine, it is not typically used to treat hyperthyroidism. Choice C rationale:

Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone helps maintain normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone helps them grow and learn normally.

Choice D rationale:

Propylthiouracil (Propacil) is an antithyroid agent used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. It works by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. This helps to prevent the excessive heat, rapid heart rate, and nervousness caused by too much thyroid hormone in the body.