A nurse in an emergency department is assessing an adolescent who reports inhalation of gasoline.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: A cooling blanket is typically used to manage hyperthermia in conditions like malignant hyperthermia, not routine postoperative recovery. It might cause the toddler to become too cold, leading to hypothermia or discomfort.

Choice B rationale: IV dantrolene sodium is administered for malignant hyperthermia, a rare but serious reaction to certain anesthesia medications. It is not appropriate for routine surgical recovery unless such a reaction is suspected or diagnosed.

Choice C rationale: Using an incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing, helping to prevent postoperative respiratory complications like atelectasis and pneumonia. It is an effective tool to promote lung expansion and improve oxygenation in the recovering toddler.

Choice D rationale: Administering aspirin to a toddler is not recommended due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a serious condition causing swelling in the liver and brain. Alternative pain management strategies should be utilized for pediatric patients.

Choice A rationale

Providing a high-calorie diet is a recommended action for a child who has received partial-thickness burns to

over 50% of his body. After a burn injury, the body needs extra calories and protein to heal, fight infection, and maintain its functions. A high-calorie diet can help meet these increased nutritional needs.

Choice B rationale

Administering analgesics intramuscularly (IM) is not a recommended action for a child with partial- thickness burns. Pain management is crucial in burn care, but analgesics should be given orally or intravenously, not IM, to avoid additional pain and tissue damage.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring intake and output is a recommended action for a child who has received partial-thickness burns to over 50% of his body. This can help assess the child’s hydration status, kidney function, and response to fluid replacement therapy.

Choice D rationale

Removing splints during sleep is not a recommended action for a child with partial-thickness burns. Splints are used to prevent contractures by keeping the joints in a functional position. They should be worn as prescribed by the healthcare provider, which often includes during sleep.

Choice E rationale

Changing dressings using aseptic technique is a recommended action for a child who has received partial- thickness burns to over 50% of his body. This can help prevent infection, promote healing, and assess the burn’s progress.