Question 1

A patient asks a nurse about who is eligible to receive anthrax vaccine [BioThrax]. The nurse will respond by saying that which groups of people would be candidates for this vaccine? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Hospital personnel
B)   Laboratory workers
C)   Military personnel
D)   Nursing home residents
E)   Veterinarians B,C,E

Question 2

A nurse is attending a conference about terrorism and emergency response. During a discussion of radiation emergencies,the use of potassium iodide is reviewed. When should potassium iodide be administered to be most effective after exposure to radiation?

Accepted Answer

A)   Immediately after exposure
B)   Within 48 hours after exposure
C)   Within 72 hours after exposure
D)   The time frame is not important A

Question 3

A patient reported to have been exposed to mustard gas is brought to the emergency department. The patient's skin is red and swollen with small blisters,and the patient's eyes are red and tearing. The patient has a runny nose and a dry,barking cough. What should the nurse's initial action be?

Accepted Answer

A)   Prepare for renal dialysis.
B)   Provide oxygen and prepare for mechanical ventilation.
C)   Remove the patient's clothing and clean the skin with soap and water.
D)   Rush the patient to the intensive care unit for cardiorespiratory monitoring. C

Question 4

A patient is admitted to the hospital with fever,cough,malaise,and weakness. Forty-eight hours later,the symptoms have become progressively worse,and they progress to severe respiratory distress,septicemia,and hemorrhagic meningitis. The nurse recognizes these signs and symptoms as:

Accepted Answer

A)   tularemia.
B)   smallpox.
C)   inhalation anthrax.
D)   pneumonic plague.

Question 5

A nurse is teaching a course in bioterrorism to a group of military nurses. Which statement by a military nurse indicates understanding of the teaching?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Although smallpox has been eradicated, it remains a threat."
B)   "Anthrax is spread rapidly from person to person."
C)   "Pneumonic plague is not transmitted from person to person."
D)   "Terrorists spreading tularemia would most likely put it in the water supply."

Question 6

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving an infusion of botulinum antitoxin after consuming botulinum toxin in contaminated food. The patient has developed double vision,slurred speech,and upper body muscle weakness. The patient's spouse asks the nurse what the antitoxin will do. Which response is correct?

Accepted Answer

A)   "The antitoxin is an antidote to the botulinum toxin."
B)   "This medication helps restore strength in weakened muscles."
C)   "This infusion will help prevent further nerve damage."
D)   "The antitoxin will reverse the symptoms within a couple of days."

Question 7

A nurse responds when a patient asks why the smallpox vaccine is no longer given. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

A)   "The smallpox vaccine can cause serious side effects."
B)   "The smallpox vaccine can confer protection when given after exposure."
C)   "The smallpox vaccine is too expensive to give routinely."
D)   "The smallpox vaccine may cause live virus to spread to others."

Question 8

Terrorists have detonated a "dirty bomb" in a shopping center. Nurses are called to the site to assist with triage of victims. Besides treating injuries incurred from the blast itself,the priorities for treatment for most of the victims will include:

Accepted Answer

A)   administering potassium iodide as soon as possible.
B)   giving Prussian blue and monitoring electrolytes.
C)   monitoring urine and stool samples for radioactivity.
D)   removing clothing and bathing victims.

Question 9

A member of a community disaster response team received the smallpox vaccine 3 weeks ago and sees a nurse for a follow-up appointment. The nurse examines the area and should expect to see a:

Accepted Answer

A)   necrotic vesicle.
B)   small area of scarification.
C)   small, fluid-filled blister.
D)   red bump.

Question 10

A group of people has been exposed to ricin by inhalation of ricin mist. When preparing to receive these victims in the emergency department,nurses will prepare to:

Accepted Answer

A)   administer antidotes.
B)   give chelating agents.
C)   provide respiratory support.
D)   start hemodialysis.

Question 11

The nurse is providing smallpox vaccinations after determining that an individual who works for a local military laboratory was exposed. After administering the vaccine,how should the nurse instruct the individual to care for the site?

Accepted Answer

A)   Cover the site with a bandage.
B)   Leave the site open to the air.
C)   Cover the site with a nonpermeable, occlusive dressing.
D)   Cover the site with sterile gauze and tape the edges.

Exam 110: Potential Weapons of Biologic, Radiologic, and Chemical Terrorism