A nurse in the ICU is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving a dobutamine drip. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates that the medication is effective?

To estimate the percentage of body surface area burned using the Rule of Nines, follow these guidelines:

1. Head and Neck: 9%
2. Each Arm: 9% (right arm) + 9% (left arm) = 18%
3. Front of Torso: 18%
4. Back of Torso: 18%
5. Each Leg: 18% (right leg) + 18% (left leg) = 36%
6. Genital Area: 1%

Now, add up the percentages of the burned areas:

9% (head and neck) + 18% (each arm) + 18% (front of torso) + 18% (back of torso) + 36% (each leg) + 1% (genital area) = 100%

So, the nurse should estimate that the client has burned 100% of their body surface area.

Choice A Reason: Infection is a serious complication of burn injuries, but not the priority risk for assessment and intervention. The nurse should monitor the client's wound healing, temperature, white blood cell count, and signs of sepsis, and administer antibiotics as prescribed. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Choice B Reason: Airway obstruction is the priority risk for assessment and intervention for a client who has burns of the head, neck, and chest. The nurse should assess the client's airway patency, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, breath sounds, and signs of respiratory distress, such as stridor, wheezes, or cyanosis. The nurse should also provide humidified oxygen, suction secretions, elevate the head of the bed, and prepare for endotracheal intubation if needed. Airway obstruction can occur due to edema, inflammation, or inhalation injury of the upper airway, and can quickly lead to hypoxia, respiratory failure, and death.

Choice C Reason: Paralytic ileus is a potential complication of burn injuries, but not the priority risk for assessment and intervention. The nurse should assess the client's bowel sounds, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and stool output, and administer fluids, electrolytes, and nutritional support as prescribed. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Choice D Reason: Fluid imbalance is another potential complication of burn injuries, but not the priority risk for assessment and intervention. The nurse should assess the client's fluid status, urine output, vital signs, weight, and serum electrolytes, and administer intravenous fluids as prescribed. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.