A client is brought to the emergency department with partial-thickness burns to his face, neck, arms, and chest after trying to put out a car fire. The nurse should implement which nursing actions for this client? (Select all that apply.)
Submerge client in a cold bath
Administer oxygen
Restrict fluids
Provide a meal high in fiber
Assess airway
Apply ice to burned areas
Correct Answer : B,E,F
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because submerging the client in a cold bath can cause hypothermia, shock, or infection. Cold water can lower the body temperature and blood pressure, which can impair circulation and organ function. Cold water can also introduce bacteria or contaminants into the open wounds. The nurse should use cool water or saline to gently irrigate the burned areas and then cover them with sterile dressings.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because administering oxygen can help the client breathe better and prevent hypoxia. Burns to the face, neck, or chest can cause swelling or damage to the airway, which can impair gas exchange and oxygen delivery. Oxygen can also reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur from inhaling smoke or fumes.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because restricting fluids can worsen dehydration and shock. Burns can cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss through evaporation and leakage from damaged capillaries. This can lead to hypovolemia, which is low blood volume, and hypotension, which is low blood pressure. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, and weight, and administer intravenous fluids as ordered.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because providing a meal high in fiber can cause abdominal discomfort or diarrhea. Burns can cause paralytic ileus, which is a temporary loss of bowel function due to nerve damage or inflammation. This can impair digestion and absorption of food and cause nausea, vomiting, or constipation. The nurse should assess the client's bowel sounds and provide enteral or parenteral nutrition as ordered.
Choice E Reason: This is correct because assessing airway is a priority nursing action for a client with burns. As mentioned above, burns to the face, neck, or chest can compromise the airway and cause respiratory distress or failure. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness, breathing rate and pattern, oxygen saturation, and signs of inhalation injury, such as sooty sputum, singed nasal hairs, or hoarseness. The nurse should also be prepared to assist with intubation or tracheostomy if needed.
Choice F Reason: This is correct because applying ice to burned areas can help reduce pain and swelling. Ice can constrict blood vessels and numb nerve endings, which can decrease inflammation and sensation. However, ice should be applied for no more than 15 minutes at a time and wrapped in a cloth or towel to prevent frostbite or tissue damage. Ice should not be applied to large or deep burns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because airway obstruction is the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Airway obstruction can occur due to edema, inflammation, or inhalation injury of
the upper airway structures. It can compromise oxygenation and ventilation, and lead to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The nurse should assess for signs of airway obstruction, such as stridor, hoarseness, dyspnea, or cyanosis, and provide oxygen therapy, humidification, or intubation as needed.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because fluid imbalance is not the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Fluid imbalance can occur due to fluid loss from damaged skin and capillaries, as well as increased capillary permeability and fluid shifts. It can cause dehydration, hypovolemia, shock, or electrolyte imbalances. The nurse should monitor fluid status, vital signs, urine output, and laboratory values, and provide fluid resuscitation as prescribed, but only after ensuring airway patency.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because paralytic ileus is not the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Paralytic ileus is a condition where there is decreased or absent bowel motility due to nerve damage or decreased blood flow to
the gastrointestinal tract. It can cause abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, or constipation. The nurse should assess bowel sounds, abdominal girth, and stool characteristics, and provide nasogastric suction or laxatives as prescribed, but only after ensuring airway patency and fluid balance.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because infection is not the risk that is the priority for assessment and intervention for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of
the head, neck, and chest. Infection can occur due to loss of skin barrier, exposure to microorganisms, or impaired immune system. It can cause fever, increased pain, purulent drainage, or sepsis. The nurse should assess for signs of infection, obtain wound cultures, and administer antibiotics as prescribed, but only after ensuring airway patency, fluid balance, and pain control.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate antibiotic therapy to prevent complications and death.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because documenting intake and output is not a priority action for a child with bacterial meningitis. Fluid balance is important, but not as urgent as antibiotic administration.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because reducing environmental stimuli is a supportive measure that can help reduce headache and photophobia, but it is not a priority action for a child with bacterial meningitis. The nurse should focus on preventing infection spread and monitoring for signs of increased intracranial pressure.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because maintaining seizure precautions is a preventive measure that can help protect the child from injury, but it is not a priority action for a child with bacterial meningitis. The nurse should administer anticonvulsants as prescribed and observe for seizure activity, but the main goal is to treat the infection.
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