The nurse is caring for a burn victim during the emergent phase. Assessment findings include white charred leathery wounds over 72% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA). Following intubation and mechanical ventilation, what is the priority intervention?
Fluid resuscitation
Transfer to a burn center
Application of sterile dressings
Administer morphine 8mg IV.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Fluid resuscitation
Burns covering a large TBSA result in massive fluid loss due to increased capillary permeability, leading to hypovolemic shock. Fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer’s solution using the Parkland formula is the priority to restore intravascular volume and prevent organ failure.
B. Transfer to a burn center
While this patient requires specialized burn care, the immediate priority is fluid resuscitation. After initial stabilization, transfer to a burn center can be arranged.
C. Application of sterile dressings
Wound care is important, but it is not the priority in the emergent phase. Restoring circulation and preventing shock take precedence.
D. Administer morphine 8 mg IV
Pain management is crucial, but it is secondary to restoring intravascular volume and preventing hypovolemic shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Urine output of less than 0.5 mL/kg
Norepinephrine is a vasopressor used to improve perfusion. A urine output of less than 0.5 mL/kg suggests ongoing hypoperfusion and inadequate organ perfusion, which is an undesirable outcome.
B. Improved mental status, decreased lactate level
These are positive indicators of improved perfusion and oxygen delivery, but they are not the primary target for norepinephrine therapy.
C. A mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65
A MAP of at least 65 mmHg is the target for vasopressor therapy, as it ensures adequate perfusion of vital organs.
D. A pain level of 4 or less on a scale of 0-10
While pain management is important, norepinephrine’s primary role is not pain control but rather maintaining adequate perfusion.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
A. Distributive shock
Severe burns lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), causing massive vasodilation, similar to septic shock (a type of distributive shock).
D. Hypovolemic shock
Fluid loss from burns leads to hypovolemic shock, which is the most common type of shock seen in burn patients.
B. Cardiogenic shock
Cardiogenic shock is caused by heart failure and is not a primary concern in burn injuries.
C. Obstructive shock
Obstructive shock (e.g., tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade) does not occur in burn patients unless another condition is present.
E. Neurogenic shock
Neurogenic shock occurs from spinal cord injuries, not burns.
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