A government official reports to the health department that an employee was possibly exposed to anthrax. Which of the following actions should a public health nurse take?
Refer coworkers who might have been exposed to a provider for prophylactic antibiotics
Place the employee under quarantine for 14 days.
Alert the family members of coworkers about their possible exposure to anthrax.
Instruct the client to wear a mask at work.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Refer coworkers who might have been exposed to a provider for prophylactic antibiotics: Anthrax exposure can be fatal if not treated early. Public health protocols recommend prophylactic antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or doxycycline for those potentially exposed. Timely referral helps prevent the onset of disease.
B. Place the employee under quarantine for 14 days: Quarantine is typically used for contagious diseases that spread person to person, such as COVID-19 or influenza. Anthrax is not spread between individuals, so quarantining an exposed person is unnecessary and not a standard public health measure for this pathogen.
C. Alert the family members of coworkers about their possible exposure to anthrax: Because anthrax does not spread from person to person, there is no need to notify family members of potential exposure. Such an action could cause unnecessary alarm and would not contribute to effective disease control or prevention.
D. Instruct the client to wear a mask at work: Wearing a mask does not prevent the progression of anthrax in an exposed individual nor does it protect others, as anthrax is not contagious between humans. This measure would not address the exposure risk or help in disease managemet.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I really hope that I can live another 2 weeks, so I can see my child graduate high school." This statement expresses a hopeful and realistic goal reflecting emotional coping with the terminal illness. It does not necessarily indicate a need for social work referral.
B. "I don't have health insurance, and now I am leaving my family with such a mess." Concerns about financial issues and lack of health insurance suggest the client may need assistance with resources, financial planning, or accessing support services, which falls within the social worker’s role.
C. "I am so proud of my child who promised to step up and help my spouse after I am gone." This statement reflects pride and positive family support, indicating emotional coping rather than a need for social work referral.
D. "I am angry and cannot believe this is happening to me at such a young age." Expressing anger is a common emotional response to terminal illness and can be addressed through nursing support and counseling; it does not automatically require social work involvement.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "What are your hopes and plans for the future?" This question helps assess the client's coping and outlook, which is important in grief counseling, but it does not directly provide information about the client's support systems.
B. "How long did you know the person who died?" This question explores the depth and duration of the relationship, which can help gauge the intensity of grief. However, it does not provide insight into who the client relies on now for emotional or practical support.
C. "Have you thought about harming yourself?" This is a critical safety question to assess for suicidal ideation, which should always be asked if there are concerns about the client’s mental health. However, it does not identify support systems; rather, it screens for immediate risk.
D. "What do others do for you that helps you the most?" This question directly explores the actions of support persons and reveals who is actively providing emotional or practical assistance. It helps the nurse understand the client's support network and the quality of that support, making it the best option for assessing support systems.
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