The nurse is caring for a client who has inhalation anthrax. What nursing actions are of the highest priority? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Placing the client in an isolation room
b. Teaching the client how to use a mask
c. Teaching the client about long-term anti-biotic therapy
d. Using handwashing and other Standard Precautions
e. Reporting suspected cases to the proper authorities

Answer 1

C, D, E
The client should not stop the drug merely because he or she has no manifestations. The client will need to be on the drug for longer than 1 month. The nurse should teach the client about long-term antibiotic therapy to help with compliance. Inhalation anthrax is not spread by per-son-to-person contact, so isolation would not be necessary. The client would not need a mask. Health care providers need only use handwashing and Standard Precautions. Always report in-halation anthrax to authorities because it is considered an intentional act of terrorism.