A nurse is assessing a client with burns to the face, ears, and eyelids. The nurse should identify which of the following as the priority finding to report to the provider?
Urinary output 25 mL/hr
Heart rate 122/min
Pain of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
Difficulty swallowing secretions
The Correct Answer is D
A. Urinary output 25 mL/hr: This is below normal, but not an immediate airway threat.
B. Heart rate 122/min: Elevated HR is common in burns due to fluid shifts and stress.
C. Pain of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10: Pain is expected but not life-threatening.
D. Difficulty swallowing secretions: Indicates possible airway edema or inhalation injury, which can progress to airway obstruction. This is a medical emergency.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Client with partial and deep partial thickness burns on the face and neck with high-pitched respiratory sounds: High-pitched respiratory sounds (stridor) suggest impending airway obstruction, which is life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
B. Client with facial burns and expectorating sooty secretions in no distress: At risk for inhalation injury but not in immediate respiratory distress.
C. Client with dry, black skin on both hands and a history of diabetes mellitus: Eschar and possible full-thickness burns are serious but not immediately life-threatening compared to airway compromise.
D. Client with moist blisters over the back and who reports pain as 10: Pain is expected and manageable; airway takes priority.
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