The nurse is notified that a possible anthrax exposure occurred at the local military base. Civilian workers are routed to the local hospital's emergency department. The nurse's responsibility is to set up PODs in the community

Question

The function of the PODs in response to the anthrax exposure is to:
A) Distribute decontaminated food
B) Administer prophylactic medications
C) Distribute decontaminated water
D) Provide triage

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
Postexposure prophylaxis for anthrax, which combines 60 days of antibiotics plus three doses of vaccine, is effective in preventing anthrax disease from occurring after an exposure. In an attack, public health nurses may set up PODs in their communities to administer prophylactic medications. Nurses also have the responsibility to educate the public about anthrax by managing "hotlines," answering questions, providing factual information, and offering reassurance. There would be no need for distribution of decontaminated food or water in this case. A POD would not be involved in triage.