An older male client complains to the practical nurse (PN) during his annual physical exam that he is too tired to mow the lawn. Which response should the PN offer?

Observe the UAP's technique and communication skills during the bath.

The PN should directly observe the UAP's performance and provide feedback and guidance as needed. This can help ensure that the UAP follows the standards of care and respects the client's dignity and preferences.

The other options are not correct because:

1. Asking another UAP to help the orientee may not be appropriate or necessary, as it may interfere with the orientation process and create confusion or conflict.
2. Verifying with the client that the bath was complete and thorough may not be sufficient or reliable, as the client may not be able to assess the quality of care or may not want to complain.
3. Inspecting the client's skin near the end of the bathing procedure may not be timely or comprehensive, as it may miss some aspects of care or some problems that occurred during the bath.

The correct answer is Choice D

Choice A: Excruciating pain

• Rationale: While partial thickness burns can be painful, especially in the first few days, excruciating pain is less likely for a stable patient 3 days post-burn. Pain management is a crucial aspect of burn care, but excruciating pain might indicate deeper burns or complications like infection.

Choice B: Elevated blood pressure

• Rationale: Elevated blood pressure is not a typical complication of a partial thickness burn. In fact, burn patients are more at risk for hypotension (low blood pressure) due to fluid loss.

Choice C: Compartment syndrome

• Rationale: Compartment syndrome is a serious complication that typically occurs with deep burns or traumatic injuries. It's caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, restricting blood flow and potentially leading to tissue death. While a possibility, it's less likely for a partial thickness burn 3 days after the injury.

Choice D: Curling's Ulcer

• Rationale: Curling's ulcer is a peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer) that can develop as a complication of major burns. This is because burns trigger a massive inflammatory response, releasing stress hormones that increase stomach acid production, making the stomach lining more susceptible to ulcers. Given the extensive burn area (30% TBSA) and the timeframe (3 days post-burn), Curling's ulcer becomes a significant concern.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Choice D: Curling's Ulcer

Explanation:

• A 30% TBSA partial thickness burn is a significant injury that triggers a systemic inflammatory response.
• Three days post-burn falls within the timeframe when Curling's ulcer can develop due to the increased stress hormones and gastric acid production.
• While pain management and monitoring for compartment syndrome are important, Curling's ulcer poses a more significant threat in this scenario.