A nurse is monitoring a client who was admited with a severe burn injury and is receiving IV fluid resuscitation therapy. The nurse should identify a decrease in which of the following findings as an indication of adequate fluid replacement?

Choice A Reason: This is correct because a client who is short of breath is in immediate danger, as it indicates a possible respiratory compromise or failure. The nurse should assess the client's oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and lung sounds, and provide oxygen therapy as needed.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a client who received oral pain medication 30 min ago is not in immediate danger, as it indicates that the client's pain has been managed and the medication has had time to take effect.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is scheduled for an abdominal x-ray and is awaiting transport is not in immediate danger, as it indicates that the client's condition is stable and the diagnostic test is not urgent.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a client who has a prescription for discharge is not in immediate danger, as it indicates that the client's condition has improved and the client is ready to leave the hospital.

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because administering intravenous pain medication is not the priority action for a client who has sustained partial-thickness burns. Pain medication may be indicated for pain relief and comfort, but it does not address the potential life-threatening complications of burns such as shock, infection, or respiratory distress.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because drawing blood for a CBC count is not the priority action for a client who has sustained partial-thickness burns. A CBC count may be useful to monitor the hematological status and detect any signs of infection or anemia, but it does not address the immediate needs of the client

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority action for a client who has sustained partial-thickness burns. A urinary catheter may be necessary to measure the urine output and assess the renal function and fluid balance, but it does not address the most urgent problem of the client.

Choice D Reason: This choice is correct because inspecting the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries is the priority action for a client who has sustained partial-thickness burns. Inhalation injuries are caused by inhaling hot air, smoke, or toxic gases that damage the airway and lungs. They can cause airway obstruction, bronchospasm, pulmonary edema, or respiratory failure. Therefore, the nurse should inspect the mouth for signs such as soot, singed nasal hairs, burns on the lips or tongue, hoarseness, stridor, or wheezes. The nurse should also monitor the oxygen saturation and arterial blood gases to assess the oxygenation and ventilation status of the client.