Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. The disease is a zoonosis particularly grazing animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle. Humans infected with this disease when endospores enter the body through skin abrasions or wounds, inhalation or contaminated food. Naturally humans can become infected if it comes in contact with anthrax-infected animals or animal products contaminated with anthrax germs. Although rare, transmission through insect bites can also occur. Aerosol spore dispersal through potential use in warfare and bioterrorism.
Cutaneous anthrax is the most common infection, and is characterized by skin lesions localized with eschar (necrotic ulcers) non-pitting edema central surrounded. Inhalation anthrax is characterized by hemorrhagic mediastinitis, progressive systemic infection, and resulted in a high mortality rate. Gastrointestinal anthrax is rare and is associated with high mortality.
8 Nursing Diagnosis for Anthrax
1. Ineffective airway clearance related to obstruction of the airway
characterized by:
- audible stridor,
- dyspnea,
- cough with purulent sputum,
- radiology seem mediastinal widening,
- pleural effusion.
characterized by:
- dyspnea,
- use of accessory muscles of breathing,
- increased respiration.
characterized by:
- clients complain of pain,
- dyspnea,
- rapid pulse,
- restless.
characterized by:
- showed difficulty in swallowing,
- complained of pain when swallowing.
characterized by:
- difficult defecation,
- hypoactive bowel sounds,
- the presence of blood in the stool,
- hard stools.
characterized by:
- liquid bowel movements and leebih of 3 times / day,
- hyperactive bowel sounds and abdominal pain.
characterized by:
- there is a primary skin lesion that is not painful and itchy papules,
- vesicles containing clear fluid,
- causing any vesicles undergo central necrosis (necrotic ulcers) surrounded by edema typical black and purple vesicles.
characterized by:
- increase in body temperature above the normal range,
- increased respiration,
- red leather.