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: Delivering a urine specimen to the laboratory is not a priority task, as it does not affect the client's immediate health or safety. This task can be done later or delegated to another staff member.

Choice B reason: Feeding a client who has bilateral casts is an important task, as it helps the client meet their nutritional needs and prevents complications such as pressure ulcers. However, this task is not as urgent as monitoring blood glucose levels, as it can be done within a reasonable time frame without causing harm to the client.

Choice C reason: Performing blood glucose monitoring of a client who has a prescription for short-acting insulin is a priority task, as it determines the dosage of insulin that the client needs to receive. Insulin is a high-alert medication that can cause serious adverse effects if given incorrectly. Therefore, this task should be done first by the AP who has been trained and certified to do so.

Choice D reason: Obtaining an extra box of tissues for a client who is concerned about running out of them is a low-priority task, as it does not affect the client's physical or psychological well-being. This task can be done at any time or delegated to another staff member.

Choice A: Administer corticosteroids. This is incorrect because corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, but they do not directly affect venous return, stiffness, or muscle strength and endurance.

Choice B: Turn and reposition every 2 hours. This is incorrect because turning and repositioning are important to prevent pressure ulcers and promote circulation, but they are not sufficient to maintain muscle strength and endurance. The client also needs active or passive exercises to prevent muscle atrophy and contractures.

Choice C: Administer interferon. This is incorrect because interferon is a type of immunomodulator that can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses in multiple sclerosis, but it does not directly affect venous return, stiffness, or muscle strength and endurance.

Choice D: Encourage range-of-motion exercises. This is correct because range-of-motion exercises can help increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance in clients with multiple sclerosis. Range-of-motion exercises can be performed actively by the client or passively by the nurse or a caregiver. They should be done at least twice a day to prevent complications such as contractures, spasticity, and pain.