Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep 2025 – Complete Practice Resource

The fulminant phase of inhalation anthrax is characterized by its rapid onset and severe manifestations. During this phase, patients typically present with a combination of fever and diaphoresis, which reflects the systemic inflammatory response that occurs as the body reacts to the anthrax toxin. The presence of fever indicates an active infection and the body's attempt to combat it, while diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, may occur due to the stress response and can be indicative of the severity of the illness.

Inhalation anthrax can progress rapidly from initial symptoms to severe respiratory distress, septic shock, and can lead to death if not treated promptly. Understanding these hallmark symptoms is crucial for early recognition and intervention.

Other options, while they may present in different scenarios or stages of the disease, do not capture the acute and severe nature of the fulminant phase as accurately as fever and diaphoresis do. Dull headaches and cough could be more indicative of early or mild respiratory illness, severe anxiety and chest pain may arise from panic or other conditions, and abdominal cramping and nausea are not typical manifestations of inhalation anthrax, which primarily affects the respiratory system. Therefore, recognizing fever and diaphoresis is essential in identifying the serious progression of inhalation anth