A patient comes into the clinic with the onset of itching after opening a letter received about a week ago that contained "quite a bit of white powder." It is suspected that this patient has had an anthrax exposure. Which medication can the nurse anticipate that this patient will most likely be prescribed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is suspected to have been exposed to anthrax, which is a bacterial infection. Penicillin is the first-line antibiotic used to treat anthrax. It is important to administer treatment as soon as possible to prevent the progression of the infection. Normal saline solution flush may be used to remove any remaining spores on the skin surface, but it is not a medication. Acetaminophen may be used to relieve symptoms such as fever, but it does not treat the underlying infection. Solu-Medrol is a steroid medication used to treat inflammation and is not indicated for the treatment of anthrax.

A Patient Comes into the Clinic with the Onset of Itching