A nurse practicing in the perinatal setting should promote kangaroo care regardless of an infant's gestational age. Which statement regarding this intervention is most appropriate?

Epidural blocks are commonly used during labor to provide pain relief. However, they can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, known as epidural-induced hypotension, which can affect fetal oxygenation and fetal heart rate. Therefore, it is important to monitor maternal blood pressure frequently after an epidural block is administered.

While monitoring the maternal pulse is also important, hypotension is the most common complication of epidural anesthesia and can lead to decreased blood flow to the fetus. Therefore, monitoring maternal blood pressure is the priority.

Monitoring the fetus is also important, but it is not the most important intervention after an epidural block. Limiting parenteral fluids may be necessary in some cases to help prevent or treat hypotension, but it is not always necessary and should be done based on the individual situation.

In the case of a bioterrorism attack involving anthrax, the main priority for the nurse is to administer antibiotics within 48 hours of exposure using the Strategic National Stockpile. Anthrax is a serious bacterial infection that can be used as a bioterrorism weapon. Antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and penicillin, can be used to prevent anthrax from developing in people who have been exposed.

There is currently no vaccine available for anthrax exposure. Also, symptom support alone is not enough in cases of anthrax exposure, as anthrax can progress rapidly and lead to serious complications. Placing everyone who was exposed in quarantine may not be necessary in all situations, and should be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the extent and severity of the exposure.