The Emergency Department (ED) nurse is assessing an 80-year-old patient who has superficial, partial thickness and deep partial thickness scald burns on bilateral anterior and posterior hands and forearms. The nurse estimates that the total body surface Tire CTBSA) burned is 27%. What should the nurse include in the emergent plan of care?

Start fluid resuscitation and prepare for transport co a Burn Center

Apply petroleum based antibiotic cream to the affected areas

Cover the burns with saline soaked gauze and medicated ointment

Clean the wounds with soap and room temperature water

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Start fluid resuscitation and prepare for transport to a Burn Center:
In this case, the patient has burns that cover 27% of the total body surface area (TBSA), which falls within the moderate to severe range for burn injuries. Fluid resuscitation is critical to prevent hypovolemic shock, a common complication of severe burns due to fluid loss. The "rule of nines" or Lund-Browder chart can be used to calculate the amount of fluids needed. The patient should also be prepared for transport to a specialized burn center, where advanced care can be provided for wound management, infection prevention, and long-term rehabilitation.

B) Apply petroleum-based antibiotic cream to the affected areas:
Although topical antibiotics are an essential part of burn care to prevent infection, petroleum-based ointments are typically not recommended in the emergent phase of burn management. Applying such creams could potentially trap heat and cause further tissue damage, and petroleum-based products can be occlusive, which may interfere with wound healing.
C) Cover the burns with saline-soaked gauze and medicated ointment:
While it is important to keep burns covered to prevent infection, the use of saline-soaked gauze and medicated ointments are more appropriate after initial fluid resuscitation and stabilization of the patient. Immediate burn care focuses on preventing further injury and initiating fluid resuscitation. Saline-soaked gauze is typically used in a controlled setting, like in a burn unit, and the patient's wounds should not be excessively covered with ointment during the emergent phase.

D) Clean the wounds with soap and room temperature water:
In burn management, cleaning the wounds with soap and water can disrupt the skin's protective barrier, particularly in the emergent phase. It is important to gently clean the wounds with sterile saline or an antiseptic solution and avoid harsh cleansers. Soap and water might cause irritation, exacerbate pain, and increase the risk of infection. The focus should be on stabilizing the patient and initiating proper wound management with sterile techniques.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

A) Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a direct cause of ARDS, as it involves direct inflammation and infection of the lung tissue, leading to impaired oxygen exchange and damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane. It results in fluid accumulation in the lungs, which is a key characteristic of ARDS.

B) Drowning: Drowning is another direct cause of ARDS. It involves the aspiration of water into the lungs, which directly damages lung tissue, causing pulmonary edema and impaired oxygenation.

C) Aspiration: Aspiration of food, liquid, or vomit into the lungs is also a direct cause of ARDS. The aspirated material can lead to chemical pneumonia, bacterial infection, and inflammation of the lungs, which in turn causes ARDS.

D) Sepsis: Sepsis is an indirect cause of ARDS. It can lead to widespread inflammation throughout the body, including the lungs, through the release of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, interleukins, etc.). These systemic inflammatory responses can increase capillary permeability in the lungs, causing fluid to leak into the alveoli, which leads to ARDS.

E) Blood Transfusion: Blood transfusion, particularly when associated with transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), is an indirect cause of ARDS. TRALI is a serious complication that can result from receiving blood products, where the transfused blood causes an immune response leading to pulmonary damage. It indirectly triggers inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, contributing to ARDS.

A. chemical burns to the posterior neck, chest, and back B. radiation burns to shoulder and bridge of nose C. electrical burns to the hands causing dysrhythmias D. thermal burns to the head, neck, face, and airway.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Chemical burns to the posterior neck, chest, and back:
Chemical burns primarily affect the skin and underlying tissues where the chemicals have come into contact. Although chemical burns can cause significant damage, particularly to the respiratory system if inhaled, chemical burns to the posterior neck, chest, and back would not typically require endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy unless there is evidence of inhalation injury or airway compromise.

B) Radiation burns to shoulder and bridge of nose:
Radiation burns, such as those from sunburn or therapeutic radiation, generally do not cause immediate airway compromise or respiratory distress unless the radiation exposure has affected the lungs or upper respiratory tract.

C) Electrical burns to the hands causing dysrhythmias:
Electrical burns can cause significant tissue damage, especially if there is a deep tissue injury and potential for electrical burns to the internal organs. They can lead to dysrhythmias, but these burns are more related to cardiac complications rather than direct airway injury. Endotracheal intubation may be required if there are signs of airway compromise or respiratory failure, but the primary concern with electrical burns would be cardiac monitoring and fluid resuscitation.

D) Thermal burns to the head, neck, face, and airway:
The upper airway (including the mouth, throat, and vocal cords) is particularly vulnerable to thermal injury from inhaling hot gases, smoke, or steam. This can lead to edema and airway obstruction, which can rapidly progress to respiratory failure. Endotracheal intubation or even a tracheostomy may be required to secure the airway and prevent suffocation. Inhalation injury is a significant concern in thermal burns involving the head, neck, and face.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What does the nurse identify as INDIRECT cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

The nurse identifies that which patient with a burn injury most likely require endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy tube? The patient with:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has mitral valve stenosis Which of the following findings should the nurse except?

The nurse is caring for client who is four days post-operative open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm the abdomen is distended. The client is complaining abdominal pain and the abdomen is distended. What action should the nurse take at this time?

The neurologic assessment of a patient indicated impaired function of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN 10) and the vagus nerve (C.N X). Based on these findings, the nurse plans to;

A patient is to receive a continuous infusion of Diltiazem at 2.5 mg hr for Atrial fibrillation, The medication is supplied 125 mg of Diltlazem in 125 mL of IV fluid. At what rate should the nurse set the IV pump? (round to the nearest tenth)

A nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with a seizure disorder about phenytoin sodium therapy. What information should the nurse stress regarding the client stopping the drug suddenly? The drug should not be stopped abruptly because:

In providing care to a patient who sustained left sided 10th through 12th rib fractures, the nurse notes Kehr's Cullen's and Gray Turner's signs during assessment. Which abdominal organ is most likely to be affected by this trauma?

The client who has had open heart surgery for a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve is preparing for discharge. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching?