A client with 50% full-thickness burns has received fluid resuscitation for the past 24 hours. Which assessment warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Average urine output of 28 mL/hour.
Vesicular bibasilar breath sounds.
Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles.
Central venous pressure of 12 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: c. Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles.
Choice A: Average urine output of 28 mL/hour
Reason: The normal urine output for an adult is typically 0.5 mL/kg/hr, which translates to about 30-50 mL/hr for most adults. An average urine output of 28 mL/hour is slightly below this range, indicating possible inadequate fluid resuscitation. However, it is not immediately life-threatening and does not warrant the most urgent intervention compared to other options.
Choice B: Vesicular bibasilar breath sounds
Reason: Vesicular breath sounds are normal lung sounds heard over most of the lung fields. They are soft and low-pitched, indicating that the airways are clear. Therefore, vesicular bibasilar breath sounds do not indicate any immediate respiratory distress or fluid overload and do not require urgent intervention.
Choice C: Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles
Reason: Crackles, also known as rales, are abnormal lung sounds that indicate the presence of fluid in the alveoli. Bilateral crackles heard during both inspiration and expiration suggest significant pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
Choice D: Central venous pressure of 12 mm Hg
Reason: The normal range for central venous pressure (CVP) is 2-8 mm Hg. A CVP of 12 mm Hg is elevated, indicating possible fluid overload or heart failure. While this is concerning and requires monitoring, it is not as immediately critical as bilateral crackles, which directly affect oxygenation and respiratory function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Measuring urinary output is important for monitoring renal function, especially when using medications like morphine, but it is not the most critical intervention in this context.
Choice B reason: Administering the oral analgesic before discontinuing the PCA allows for the medication to take effect, preventing breakthrough pain and addressing the client's fear of pain.
Choice C reason: Monitoring for a depressed respiratory rate is crucial when a patient is on morphine, but the priority is to manage pain effectively as the client transitions to oral analgesics.
Choice D reason: Education on dietary needs is important for long-term recovery, but immediate pain management is a higher priority in the postoperative period.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Eating high-protein foods to achieve ideal body weight is generally a healthy practice, but it is not directly related to the management of the client's current condition involving pain in the toe.
Choice B reason: Patients with gouty arthritis should avoid acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) as it can lead to an increase in uric acid levels, potentially exacerbating gout attacks. Instead, medications that do not affect uric acid levels should be used for pain relief.
Choice C reason: Wrapping joints with an elastic bandage can provide support and reduce swelling, but it is not the primary intervention for sudden pain in the toe following an appendectomy, especially when the patient has a history of gouty arthritis.
Choice D reason: Supporting joints in an extended position while resting can provide comfort and may prevent stiffness, but it does not address the acute management of gouty arthritis or diabetic complications that could be causing toe pain.
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