The nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a patient receiving treatment during the emergent phase of burn management. Which laboratory result should the nurse expect for the patient at this time:
Increased hematocrit
Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Decreased serum potassium
increased serum albumin
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale: During the emergent phase of burn management, patients commonly experience hemoconcentration due to fluid shift from the intravascular space to the interstitial space. This leads to an increase in hematocrit, indicating a higher concentration of red blood cells in the blood.
Choice B rationale: Burn injuries often result in increased protein breakdown and an elevation in BUN levels.
Choice C rationale: Burn injuries can cause the release of potassium from damaged cells, leading to hyperkalemia rather than hypokalemia.
Choice D rationale: The emergent phase of burn management is characterized by a decrease in serum albumin due to protein loss from the burned tissue and increased capillary permeability.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: pruritus is one of the symptoms of malignant melanoma, as well as changes in the shape, size, color, or texture of a mole or other skin lesion. However, pruritus is not specific to the disease and should always serve as a clue prompting further examination.
Choice B rationale: pain is a very rare symptom in malignant melanoma especially during the early stages of the disease. However, pain may occur in advanced stages of the disease when deeper tissues have been invaded and in cases of metastasis to distant sites.
Choice C rationale: purulent discharge is an indication of an underlying infection rather than malignant melanoma.
Choice D rationale: purplish skin discoloration is common in Kaposi’s sarcoma which manifests as purplish skin nodules rather than malignant melanoma. Furthermore, it may suggest bruising or bleeding under the skin. Malignant melanoma can have various colors, such as black, brown, red, blue, or white, depending on the type and amount of melanin produced by the tumor cells.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Hemoglobin level reflects the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood but is not a direct indicator of nutritional status.
Choice B rationale: International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a measure of blood clotting, and a normal value does not directly impact wound healing.
Choice C rationale: Serum albumin is a marker of nutritional status, and a low level (hypoalbuminemia) can adversely affect wound healing. Adequate protein intake is essential for collagen synthesis and overall tissue repair.
Choice D rationale: White blood cell count is an indicator of immune response and infection but does not directly affect wound healing in the absence of infection.
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