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 D
Explanation
Formula: 4 mL × Body weight (kg) × %TBSA
4 × 100 × 40 = 16,000 mL total in 24 hours
Half (8,000 mL) is given in the first 8 hours
Answer- 8000ml
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Maintain adequate IV hydration: The first priority in major burns is fluid resuscitation due to massive fluid shifts and risk of hypovolemic shock.
B. Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics: Not a priority during the initial resuscitative phase. Infection control comes later unless signs of sepsis appear.
C. Give IV potassium chloride: Burn patients often experience hyperkalemia initially due to cell lysis; potassium is not given early.
D. Prepare intramuscular pain medications: IM route is avoided due to poor perfusion and risk of inadequate absorption in burn patients.
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