A nurse is collecting data from a school-age child who has a newly diagnosed brain tumor. Which of following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason:

Brown in color. The rationale for this choice is that a partial-thickness burn involves damage to the epidermis and the dermis but not the full thickness of the skin. It typically presents with redness, swelling, and blisters. While the burned area may have some discoloration, it is more likely to be red or pink rather than brown. Brown coloration would suggest a deeper burn involving the full thickness of the skin and potentially underlying structures.

Choice B reason:

Leathery appearance. This choice is not expected in a partial-thickness burn. A leathery appearance is characteristic of a full-thickness (third-degree) burn, which involves the destruction of the epidermis, dermis, and potentially deeper tissues. In a partial-thickness burn, the skin may appear red, swollen, and blistered, but it should not have a leathery texture.

Choice C reason:

Visible ligaments. This choice is not indicative of a partial-thickness burn either. Partial- thickness burns primarily affect the epidermis and dermis, but they do not extend deep enough to expose ligaments or other structures below the skin. Visible ligaments would suggest a full-thickness burn or an injury that extends beyond the skin layers.

Choice D reason:

Blister formation. This is the correct choice. Blister formation is a common clinical manifestation of a partial-thickness burn. The injury causes fluid accumulation between the layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis), leading to the formation of blisters. The blisters may be filled with clear fluid and are usually painful and sensitive to touch.

Choice A reason:

Washing off the zinc oxide ointment with each diaper change would not be beneficial for the infant's diaper dermatitis. Zinc oxide ointment forms a protective barrier on the skin, and frequent washing could remove this barrier, reducing its effectiveness in promoting healing and protecting the irritated skin.

Choice B reason:

Shaking talcum powder onto the reddened areas is not a suitable approach. Talcum powder can further irritate the skin and worsen the diaper dermatitis. It is best to avoid using talcum powder on an infant's delicate skin.

Choice C reason:

Using a hair dryer, even on the lowest setting, to dry the diaper area is not recommended. The hot air from the hair dryer can be too harsh for the infant's sensitive skin and might exacerbate the irritation. It is safer to let the diaper area air dry naturally or pat it gently with a soft cloth.

Choice D reason:

This is the correct choice. Using moist disposable wipes that are detergent-free is a suitable option for cleaning the infant's diaper area. Detergent-free wipes are gentle on the skin and less likely to cause further irritation. Additionally, keeping the area clean and dry is essential for managing diaper dermatitis, and these wipes can help achieve that without causing harm.