Disaster Triage and Chemical/Biologic Hazards · NCLEX Exam

A biologic hazard such as aerosolised anthrax may initially present with flu-like symptoms. Which feature should raise immediate concern for inhalational anthrax?

  1. Mild cough without fever and normal imaging
  2. Chest pain with mediastinal widening and rapid decline
  3. An isolated localized skin rash without systemic signs
  4. Mild joint aches that resolve with rest
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Correct answer: Chest pain with mediastinal widening and rapid decline

Inhalational anthrax classically progresses from flu-like symptoms to chest discomfort, mediastinal widening on chest X-ray, and rapid deterioration with high mortality, warranting urgent recognition and treatment.

Difficulty: Hard Question 6 of 20

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