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: A negative-pressure isolation room is not a suitable room for a client who has scabies. A negative-pressure isolation room is used for clients who have airborne infections, such as tuberculosis or chickenpox. It prevents the contaminated air from escaping the room and infecting other people.

Choice B reason: A positive-pressure isolation room is not a suitable room for a client who has scabies. A positive-pressure isolation room is used for clients who have compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing bone marrow transplants or chemotherapy. It prevents the outside air from entering the room and exposing the client to germs.

Choice C reason: A private room is a suitable room for a client who has scabies. Scabies is a skin infection caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin and cause intense itching and rash. Scabies can spread easily through direct skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items, such as clothing or bedding. A private room can prevent the transmission of scabies to other clients or staff.

Choice D reason: A semi-private room with a client who has pediculosis capitis is not a suitable room for a client who has scabies. Pediculosis capitis is an infestation of head lice that feeds on human blood and causes itching and irritation on the scalp. Pediculosis capitis can also spread easily through direct contact or sharing personal items, such as combs or hats. Sharing a room with another client who has pediculosis capitis can increase the risk of cross-infection and complicate the treatment of both conditions.

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.