A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who asks about advance directives and states that he wants to appoint a health care proxy. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a. Prepare to administer antibiotics to the client.

This is the correct action. Cutaneous anthrax is typically treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or amoxicillin. Administering antibiotics promptly is essential to prevent the progression of anthrax infection.

b. Wear an N95 respirator mask while caring for the client.

While respiratory protection is important in certain situations, such as when caring for clients with respiratory infections, cutaneous anthrax is not transmitted through respiratory droplets. Therefore, wearing an N95 respirator mask is not necessary when caring for a client with cutaneous anthrax.

c. Plan to administer an antiviral medication to the client.

Anthrax is caused by a bacterium, not a virus, so antiviral medications would not be effective in treating anthrax infection. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for anthrax.

d. Place a surgical mask on the client during transfer to the unit.

Cutaneous anthrax does not spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, so placing a surgical mask on the client during transfer is not necessary for preventing transmission of the disease.

a. "You should contact the provider about your wishes for your family member."

While the provider may ultimately be involved in decision-making, it's important for the nurse to address the conflicting wishes and provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take in such situations.

b. "You should speak with the facility’s ethics committee about your concerns."

In cases of conflicting wishes or ethical dilemmas, involving the ethics committee can be beneficial. However, this response might not address the immediate need for clarification and guidance.

c. "We’ll need to have the nursing supervisor review the client’s advance directives."

Reviewing advance directives with the nursing supervisor is a reasonable step to ensure that the client's wishes are documented and followed. However, it might not directly address the conflicting wishes or provide immediate resolution.

d. "As the health care surrogate, the client’s partner can make this decision."

This is the correct response. The health care surrogate, appointed by the client or legally recognized as such, has the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the unconscious client. It's important to follow the client's advance directives and legal designations regarding