A nurse is caring for a client with an electrical burn. The client states that since the wound on the skin is small, the burn must not be too bad. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?
Electrical burns can have small amounts of skin damage, but more extensive damage beneath the skin.
Electrical burns commonly cause reddened/purplish skin without blistering.
Electrical burns typically are minor.
Electrical burns usually cause much more skin damage than what can be seen on your skin.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Electrical burns can have small amounts of skin damage, but more extensive damage beneath the skin.
This response is the best choice because it educates the client about the potential for deeper tissue damage associated with electrical burns. It acknowledges that while the burn on the skin may appear small, the damage underneath could be more extensive, affecting muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
B. Electrical burns commonly cause reddened/purplish skin without blistering.
This statement is not the best response because it focuses solely on the appearance of the skin without addressing the potential for deeper tissue damage. While it is true that electrical burns can present with reddened or purplish skin without blistering, this response does not provide comprehensive information about the nature and severity of electrical burns.
C. Electrical burns typically are minor.
This response is incorrect because it downplays the seriousness of electrical burns. While some electrical burns may indeed be minor, others can cause significant tissue damage and complications. It's important for the nurse to educate the client about the range of severity that electrical burns can present.
D. Electrical burns usually cause much more skin damage than what can be seen on your skin.
This statement is partially accurate but does not provide as much information as choice A. While it acknowledges that electrical burns can cause more damage than what is visible on the skin's surface, it doesn't emphasize the potential for deeper tissue damage as effectively as choice A does.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Infection: While infection can certainly delay wound healing and contribute to the development of chronic wounds, it is more of a local factor rather than a systemic cause. Infections can hinder the normal healing process and lead to tissue damage, inflammation, and prolonged wound healing.
B. Malnutrition
A chronic wound is a wound that fails to progress through the normal stages of healing in an orderly and timely manner. Systemic factors can significantly impact wound healing, and malnutrition is one such systemic cause. Malnutrition, which refers to an inadequate intake or absorption of nutrients essential for healing, can impair the body's ability to repair tissues, fight infection, and generate new cells.
C. Continued pressure: Prolonged pressure, such as that experienced in pressure ulcers, can lead to tissue ischemia (lack of blood flow) and tissue necrosis, resulting in chronic wounds. However, this is considered a local factor related to the specific site of the wound and pressure-related damage.
D. Venous insufficiency: Venous insufficiency can cause chronic wounds, particularly venous ulcers, due to impaired venous return leading to increased pressure in the veins of the lower extremities. This pressure can result in tissue damage and poor wound healing. While venous insufficiency is a systemic condition, it primarily affects specific areas of the body (such as the lower legs) and is more directly related to the development of localized chronic wounds in those areas.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Prevents complications, such as meningitis or pneumonitis
While oral acyclovir can be effective in managing HSV infections and reducing the severity of symptoms, it is not primarily used to prevent complications such as meningitis or pneumonitis. These complications may occur in severe cases of HSV infections, but oral acyclovir's main goal is to manage outbreaks and reduce symptoms.
B. Decreases the probability of recurrent outbreaks
Oral acyclovir can help reduce the frequency of recurrent outbreaks in individuals with HSV infections. However, it does not completely eliminate the probability of recurrent outbreaks. Some individuals may still experience occasional outbreaks even with regular use of oral acyclovir. The medication is more focused on managing outbreaks when they occur rather than preventing them entirely.
C. Shortens the outbreak and lessens the severity of symptoms
This option is the correct choice. Oral acyclovir is effective in shortening the duration of HSV outbreaks and reducing the severity of symptoms such as pain, itching, and lesions. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, which helps in faster healing and symptom relief. However, it does not cure the infection or eliminate the virus from the body.
D. Eliminates the likelihood of spreading the infection to others
While oral acyclovir can help manage outbreaks and reduce viral shedding, it does not completely eliminate the risk of spreading the infection to others. It can reduce the likelihood of transmission during active outbreaks, but individuals with HSV can still shed the virus and be contagious even when they are not experiencing visible symptoms. Therefore, other precautions such as practicing safe sex and avoiding close contact during outbreaks are also important for preventing transmission.
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