A client arrives to the clinic after spending the day at the beach. She reports extreme pain and the nurse observes red skin on her face and upper body. There are no blisters present. What degree of burn has the client suffered?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because a drop in heart rate from 74 to 68/min is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to the provider. A mild decrease in heart rate can be normal or due to other factors such as medication, sleep, or relaxation. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because a change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score from 14 to 10 is a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to the provider. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool that measures the level of consciousness based on eye-opening, verbal response, and motor responses. A score of 14 indicates mild impairment, while a score of 10 indicates moderate impairment. A decrease in score can indicate deterioration of neurological status and increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because the headache is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Headache is a common symptom of mild TBI and can be managed with analgesics, rest, and hydration. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure unless it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other signs such as vomiting, confusion, or seizures.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because diplopia is not a manifestation that requires immediate reporting to
the provider. Diplopia means double vision and can be caused by damage to cranial nerves or eye muscles due to TBI. It can be treated with eye patches, glasses, or surgery. It does not indicate a worsening of brain injury or increased intracranial pressure unless it is associated with other symptoms such as blurred vision, loss of vision, or eye pain.

Choice A reason: This is correct because resuming a functional role in society is the ultimate goal for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. The rehabilitative phase begins when wound healing is complete and lasts until physical and psychosocial recovery is achieved. The nurse should help the client regain independence, self-esteem, and quality of life by providing education, counseling, referrals, and resources.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because pain management is not a goal, but an intervention for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. Pain management is important throughout all phases of burn care, but especially during wound healing and scar formation, which can cause itching, tightness, or hypersensitivity. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and administer analgesics, antipruritics, or moisturizers as ordered.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because providing continued full support to the client is not a goal, but an intervention for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. Providing continued full support to the client can help them cope with physical and emotional challenges, such as scarring, disfigurement, disability, or depression. The nurse should provide emotional support, active listening, positive feedback, and encouragement to the client.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because preventing infection is not a goal, but an intervention for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. Preventing infection is crucial during wound healing and grafting, which can be compromised by bacterial colonization or contamination. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, wound appearance, and laboratory results, and administer antibiotics or antiseptics as ordered.