A nurse has admitted a client with burns to the head, face, and hands. On initial assessment, wheezing is noted. On reassessment, the nurse notes decreased bilateral lung sounds. The client appears anxious. respiration rate is 30, and Pulse oximetry is 80%. Which of the following is the priority action the nurse should take?
Encourage the client to cough and auscultate the lungs again.
Document the change and continue to monitor the client's respiratory rate.
Notify the health care provider and prepare for endotracheal intubation.
Reposition the client in high-Fowler's position and reassess breath sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Encourage the client to cough and auscultate the lungs again:
This delays necessary intervention and is not appropriate for suspected airway compromise.
B. Document the change and continue to monitor the client's respiratory rate:
Passive monitoring is not safe here given signs of impending respiratory failure.
C. Notify the health care provider and prepare for endotracheal intubation:
Facial burns and decreasing breath sounds suggest airway edema—immediate intubation is critical before complete airway obstruction.
D. Reposition the client in high-Fowler's position and reassess breath sounds:
While positioning helps breathing, it’s not sufficient or timely enough in a rapidly deteriorating airway.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Muscle layers: Full-thickness burns may extend into muscle, especially with chemical burns.
B. Epidermal layers: The outermost layer is completely destroyed in full-thickness burns.
C. Dermal layers: Full-thickness burns extend through both the epidermis and dermis.
D. Subcutaneous layers: These burns also involve the subcutaneous fat and connective tissue.
E. Bone and ligaments: Involvement of bone and ligaments would indicate a 4th-degree burn, not 3rd-degree.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Encourage the client to cough and auscultate the lungs again:
This delays necessary intervention and is not appropriate for suspected airway compromise.
B. Document the change and continue to monitor the client's respiratory rate:
Passive monitoring is not safe here given signs of impending respiratory failure.
C. Notify the health care provider and prepare for endotracheal intubation:
Facial burns and decreasing breath sounds suggest airway edema—immediate intubation is critical before complete airway obstruction.
D. Reposition the client in high-Fowler's position and reassess breath sounds:
While positioning helps breathing, it’s not sufficient or timely enough in a rapidly deteriorating airway.
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