A public health nurse is assisting in emergency response following a natural disaster in a community. Which of the following situations observed by the nurse indicates the community is in the recovery phase of the disaster?

Choice A reason: This statement is not the first action, as it does not address the immediate needs of the students. Contacting the local health department may be necessary to report a potential outbreak or environmental hazard, but it is not a priority.

Choice B reason: This statement is the first action, as it addresses the immediate needs of the students. Establishing a triage area can help the nurse assess the severity of the symptoms, identify the possible cause, and provide appropriate interventions.

Choice C reason: This statement is not the first action, as it may not be appropriate for all students. Administering oxygen therapy may be necessary for some students who have severe respiratory distress, but it is not a universal intervention.

Choice D reason: This statement is not the first action, as it does not address the immediate needs of the students. Notifying the parents of the students may be necessary to inform them of the situation and obtain consent for treatment, but it is not a priority.

Choice A reason: The anthrax vaccine is ineffective following direct anthrax exposure is not a correct piece of information to include in the protocol. The anthrax vaccine can provide some protection against anthrax if given before exposure, but it cannot prevent or treat anthrax infection after exposure¹.

Choice B reason: Manifestations of anthrax infection appear within 3 days of exposure is not a correct piece of information to include in the protocol. The incubation period of anthrax varies depending on the route of exposure, but it can range from one day to several weeks. Inhalation anthrax usually has an incubation period of one to six days, but it can be longer².

Choice C reason: Prophylactic treatment should be provided to clients for 10 days following exposure to anthrax is not a correct piece of information to include in the protocol. Prophylactic treatment, or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is the use of antibiotics to prevent anthrax infection in people who have been exposed to anthrax spores but do not have symptoms. PEP should be given for at least 60 days, or until the person receives three doses of the anthrax vaccine³.

Choice D reason: Ciprofloxacin should be administered to asymptomatic clients who were directly exposed to anthrax is a correct piece of information to include in the protocol. Ciprofloxacin is one of the antibiotics recommended by the CDC for PEP of anthrax. It can prevent anthrax infection in people who have inhaled anthrax spores but do not have symptoms. Ciprofloxacin should be given as soon as possible after exposure and continued for 60 days, or until the person receives three doses of the anthrax vaccine..