The nurse is inundated with victims brought to the emergency ...

[littleanan]

The nurse is inundated with victims brought to the emergency department after exposure to anthrax. The nurse is assigned to care for an apparently terminal patient showing signs and symptoms of septicemia, hemorrhagic meningitis, and respiratory distress.
 
  What intervention by the nurse would be most appropriate for this patient?
  a. Administer packed red blood cells (PRBCs).
  b. Provide palliative care.
  c. Administer an anticoagulant.
  d. Administer the antitoxin.

Question 2

A nurse in the emergency department has just received word that the emergency department will be receiving a small group of military personnel (18) who have been exposed to inhalation anthrax. The nurse should prepare to administer
 
  a. IV ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
  b. IM streptomycin.
  c. IV gentamicin.
  d. atropine.

[gasdhashg]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Palliative care is most appropriate for this terminal patient, who apparently has been exposed to inhalation anthrax. In mass casualty situations, supplies are reserved for those with the greatest chance of survival.
Administration of PRBCs would not help this dying patient, nor would administration of an anticoagulant.
No antitoxin is available for anthrax.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
For small groups exposed to inhalation anthrax, IV ciprofloxacin or IV doxycycline is indicated.
Streptomycin and gentamicin are indicated for tularemia, not anthrax.
Atropine is not indicated for inhalation anthrax.

[littleanan]

Excellent

[bblaney]

TYSM