When developing a protocol for treatment of inhalation anthrax in the event of widespread public exposure, what information should be included?

 

Choice A rationale

The Department of Health and Human Resources is primarily responsible for the health and well-being of all Americans. It provides effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services. However, it does not directly deal with environmental hazards such as asbestos.

Choice B rationale

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the correct choice because it is responsible for protecting human health and the environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. The EPA has implemented strict regulations for the use, handling, and disposal of asbestos products. In cases of asbestos exposure, the EPA takes actions to protect the public from the adverse health effects of asbestos, a known carcinogen. Therefore, a community health nurse should consult the EPA for guidance regarding a public building that has asbestos leaking from rips in the heating duct insulation.

Choice C rationale

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a federal agency that conducts and supports health promotion, prevention, and preparedness activities in the United States, with the goal of improving overall public health. While the CDC does work to protect public health, its focus is not specifically on environmental hazards like asbestos.

Choice D rationale

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research. While the NIH does conduct research on various health issues, it does not have the regulatory authority to manage environmental hazards such as asbestos.

Choice A rationale

While performing tuberculosis screenings throughout the community can be beneficial in identifying new cases, it is not the most effective action to prevent the spread of tuberculosis from a known active case.

Choice B rationale

Reporting the active case to a public health department is important for surveillance and public health tracking. However, it does not directly ensure that the specific client’s tuberculosis is being effectively managed to prevent further spread.

Choice C rationale

Ensuring client adherence to the medication regimen is the most effective action the nurse can take to prevent the spread of tuberculosis within the community. Effective treatment of tuberculosis involves a long-term medication regimen that, when adhered to, can render the disease non-infectious.

Choice D rationale

Providing education to the community about the manifestations of tuberculosis can increase awareness and potentially lead to earlier identification of new cases. However, it does not directly prevent the spread of the disease from a known active case.