A nurse in an emergency room is caring for a client who sustained deep partial-thickness burns to both lower legs, chest, face, and both forearms. Which of the following is the priority action the nurse should take?
Draw blood for a complete blood cell (CBC) count.
Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries.
Administer intravenous pain medication.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Draw blood for a CBC: Important, but not the priority.
B. Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries: Airway assessment is always the priority in facial/chest burns due to the risk of inhalation injury and impending airway compromise.
C. Administer intravenous pain medication: Important, but airway always comes first.
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter: Urine output monitoring is important for fluid resuscitation but follows airway stabilization.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Potential Condition: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
The client is reporting frequency, burning, and urgency, classic symptoms of a lower UTI (cystitis). The recent removal of the urinary catheter (which increases infection risk) further supports this.
Actions to take:
- Check a urine culture and sensitivity: A urine culture will confirm the presence of infection and identify the specific organism, allowing for appropriate antibiotic selection.
- Request a prescription for an antispasmodic agent: Bladder spasms can contribute to frequency and urgency, especially post-catheter removal. An antispasmodic (e.g., oxybutynin) may help relieve discomfort.
Parameters to monitor:
- Temperature: Fever can indicate progression of the UTI to pyelonephritis or worsening infection. The current low-grade fever of 100.4°F may be an early sign.
- Fluid intake: Adequate hydration helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract and is essential in promoting recovery from a UTI.
Incorrect diagnoses:
The post-void residual is only 22 mL, which rules out urinary retention. No evidence points to STIs like gonorrhea, nor to incontinence.
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.
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