A hospice nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and reports severe pain. After the nurse administers the prescribed opioid and benzodiazepine, the client becomes somnolent and difficult to arouse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a. Instruct the client’s family to contact the insurance provider about the oxygen equipment:

This option involves instructing the client's family to take action by contacting the insurance provider. While it may be helpful for the family to be aware of insurance coverage, it does not directly address the immediate issue of the client needing oxygen upon discharge. Additionally, the family may not have the necessary information or authority to resolve the delivery delay.

b. Send an oxygen tank from the facility home with the client:

This option involves providing the client with an oxygen tank from the facility to ensure they have access to oxygen upon discharge. While it may temporarily address the client's immediate need, it may not be feasible or appropriate for the facility to provide oxygen equipment directly without coordinating with the equipment company and following proper protocols.

c. Contact social services about the delivery of the oxygen equipment:

This option involves contacting social services to seek assistance with resolving the delay in oxygen equipment delivery. Social services may be able to intervene and expedite the delivery process or explore alternative solutions to ensure the client's needs are met. Involving social services can be beneficial in navigating complex discharge issues.

d. Notify the provider about the delayed oxygen tank delivery:

It is important to inform the provider about the delay in oxygen equipment delivery so they can be aware of the situation and make any necessary adjustments to the discharge plan or arrange for alternative solutions. The provider may also assist in expediting the delivery or provide additional instructions for managing the situation.

a. Prepare to administer antibiotics to the client.

This is the correct action. Cutaneous anthrax is typically treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or amoxicillin. Administering antibiotics promptly is essential to prevent the progression of anthrax infection.

b. Wear an N95 respirator mask while caring for the client.

While respiratory protection is important in certain situations, such as when caring for clients with respiratory infections, cutaneous anthrax is not transmitted through respiratory droplets. Therefore, wearing an N95 respirator mask is not necessary when caring for a client with cutaneous anthrax.

c. Plan to administer an antiviral medication to the client.

Anthrax is caused by a bacterium, not a virus, so antiviral medications would not be effective in treating anthrax infection. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for anthrax.

d. Place a surgical mask on the client during transfer to the unit.

Cutaneous anthrax does not spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, so placing a surgical mask on the client during transfer is not necessary for preventing transmission of the disease.