A patient experiences a gasoline tank fire when riding a motorcycle and is admitted to the emergency department (ED. with partial-thickness burns on the anterior surfaces of both lower extremities. Which percentage of body surface area should the nurse document in the electronic medical record (EMR)?
18%.
45%.
9%.
36%.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. According to the rule of nines, each leg accounts for 18% of the total body surface area, and the anterior surface of each leg accounts for half of that, or 9%. Therefore, the patient has partial-thickness burns on 9% + 9% = 18% of the body surface area.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. This would be the case if the patient had partial-thickness burns on the anterior and posterior surfaces of both legs, as well as the head and neck, which is not given in the question.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. This would be the case if the patient had partial-thickness burns on the anterior surface of only one leg, which is not given in the question.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. This would be the case if the patient had partial-thickness burns on the anterior and posterior surfaces of both legs, which is not given in the question.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: 18%. This is not the correct percentage, as it only accounts for one lower extremity. According to the rule of nines, each lower extremity accounts for 9% of body surface area on both anterior and posterior sides, so both lower extremities would account for 18% x 2 = 36%.
Choice B: 27%. This is not the correct percentage, as it only accounts for one and a half lower extremities. According to the rule of nines, each lower extremity accounts for 9% of body surface area on both anterior and posterior sides, so one and a half lower extremities would account for 9% x 3 = 27%.
Choice C: 36%. This is the correct percentage, as it accounts for both lower extremities. According to the rule of nines, each lower extremity accounts for 9% of body surface area on both anterior and posterior sides, so both lower extremities would account for 9% x 4 = 36%.
Choice D: 45%. This is not the correct percentage, as it accounts for more than both lower extremities. According to the rule of nines, each lower extremity accounts for 9% of body surface area on both anterior and posterior sides, so more than both lower extremities would account for more than 9% x 4 = 36%.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Mark an outline of the 'olive-shaped' mass in the right epigastric area. This is not a priority action, as it does not address the immediate needs of the infant. The 'olive-shaped' mass is a sign of pyloric stenosis, but it does not affect the infant's hydration or nutrition.
Choice B: Instruct parents regarding care of the incisional area. This is an important action, but not a priority before surgery. The parents need to know how to care for the incisional area after surgery, but this can be done later.
Choice C: Monitor amount of intake and infant's response to feedings. This is a relevant action, but not a priority before surgery. The infant with pyloric stenosis may have vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance due to gastric outlet obstruction. Monitoring intake and output can help assess the severity of these problems, but it does not correct them.
Choice D: Initiate a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription. This is the priority action before surgery, as it can prevent or treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the infant. IV fluids can also help maintain blood volume and perfusion during surgery.
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