The community health nurse is making a list of needed supplies in the event of a bioterrorism attack. The nurse recognizes that community members exposed to anthrax will need access to which of the following medications?

Choice A reason: Fluconazole (Diflucan) is an antifungal medication that is used to treat infections caused by fungi, such as candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis. It is not effective against anthrax, which is a bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis.

Choice B reason: Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is an antibiotic medication that belongs to the class of fluoroquinolones. It is used to treat various bacterial infections, including anthrax. It works by inhibiting the DNA synthesis of the bacteria and preventing them from multiplying. Ciprofloxacin is one of the recommended medications for post-exposure prophylaxis and treatment of anthrax, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Choice C reason: Varenicline (Chantix) is a medication that is used to help people quit smoking. It works by blocking the effects of nicotine on the brain and reducing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It has no role in the prevention or treatment of anthrax.

Choice D reason: Potassium iodide (KI) is a medication that is used to protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine in the event of a nuclear or radiological emergency. It works by saturating the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine and preventing it from absorbing radioactive iodine. It has no role in the prevention or treatment of anthrax.

Choice A reason: Decreasing bright lights is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to reduce the photophobia (sensitivity to light) and headache that are common symptoms of the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it does not prevent the transmission of the infection or treat the underlying cause.

Choice B reason: Initiating IV access is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it facilitates the administration of fluids, medications, and blood products that may be needed to manage the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it does not prevent the transmission of the infection or treat the underlying cause.

Choice C reason: Administering antibiotics is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to treat the bacterial infection that is the most common cause of the condition. However, this action is not the first priority, as it requires a prescription from the health care provider and confirmation of the diagnosis by laboratory tests such as blood culture or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

Choice D reason: Implementing droplet precautions is the first priority action for a nurse to take when caring for a client who has signs of meningitis, as it helps to prevent the spread of the infection to other clients and staff members. Droplet precautions are a type of isolation precautions that are used for infections that are transmitted by respiratory droplets, such as meningitis, influenza, and pertussis. Droplet precautions involve wearing a surgical mask when entering the client's room, placing the client in a private room or cohorting with other clients who have the same infection, and limiting visitors and staff contact with the client.