A nurse is monitoring an older adult female client who had a myocardial infarction (MI) for the development of an acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as indicating an increased risk of AKI?

Choice A Reason: Cause of the burn is not the nurse's priority when assessing the severity of the client's burns. The cause of the burn may indicate the type and duration of exposure, such as thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation, which can affect the depth and extent of injury. However, these factors are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Choice B Reason: Age of the client is not the nurse's priority when assessing the severity of the client's burns. The age of the client may influence the response to burn injury, such as healing time, infection risk, and fluid requirements.

However, these factors are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Choice C Reason: Associated medical history is not the nurse's priority when assessing the severity of the client's burns. The associated medical history may affect the outcome and prognosis of burn injury, such as pre-existing conditions, medications, or allergies. However, these factors are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Choice D Reason: Location of the burn is the nurse's priority when assessing the severity of the client's burns. The location of the burn can indicate the potential for life-threatening complications, such as airway obstruction, inhalation injury, or impaired circulation. The nurse should assess for signs and symptoms of respiratory distress, such as stridor, wheezes, or cyanosis, and prepare for endotracheal intubation if needed. The nurse should also monitor for signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome, such as pain, pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, or paralysis, and report any findings to the provider. The location of the burn can also affect the functional and cosmetic outcomes, such as vision loss, facial disfigurement, or joint contractures. The nurse should provide appropriate wound care, pain management, and rehabilitation as prescribed. Assessing for location of burn is essential to prevent further injury and preserve vital functions.

The correct answer is a. Respiratory status.

Choice A: Respiratory Status

Reason: After the evacuation of a subdural hematoma, monitoring the respiratory status is crucial. This is because changes in respiratory patterns can indicate increased intracranial pressure (ICP) or brainstem compression, which are life-threatening conditions. Ensuring that the airway is clear and that the patient is breathing adequately is the top priority. Normal respiratory rate for adults is 12-20 breaths per minute.

Choice B: Temperature

Reason: While monitoring temperature is important to detect infections or other complications, it is not the immediate priority in the acute postoperative period following a subdural hematoma evacuation. Fever can indicate infection, but it is less likely to cause immediate life-threatening complications compared to respiratory issues.

Choice C: Intracranial Pressure

Reason: Monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP) is very important in patients with brain injuries. Normal ICP ranges from 5-15 mmHg. However, changes in respiratory status can be an early indicator of increased ICP. Therefore, while ICP monitoring is critical, ensuring the patient’s respiratory status is stable takes precedence.

Choice D: Serum Electrolytes

Reason: Serum electrolytes are important to monitor for overall metabolic stability and to detect imbalances that could affect neurological function. Normal ranges for key electrolytes are: Sodium (135-145 mEq/L), Potassium (3.5-4.5 mEq/L), and Chloride (80-100 mEq/L). However, these are not the immediate priority in the acute phase following surgery compared to respiratory status.