The nurse on a burn unit has just received a change-of-shift report about these clients. Which client does the nurse assess first?
An electrician who suffered external burn injuries a month ago and is asking the nurse to contact the healthcare provider immediately about discharge plans.
Older adult client admitted yesterday with partial- and full-thickness burns over 40% of the body who is receiving IV fluids at 250 mL/hr.
Adult client admitted a week ago with deep partial-thickness burns over 35% of the body who is reporting pain.
Firefighter with smoke inhalation and facial burns who has just arrived on the unit.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: The electrician who suffered external burn injuries a month ago is stable enough to be concerned with discharge plans. This indicates that his burns have been managed and he is in a phase of recovery where he is preparing for discharge. Although his request is important, it is not an immediate priority compared to more acute conditions.
Choice B reason: The older adult client admitted yesterday with partial- and full-thickness burns over 40% of the body is in a critical condition and needs continuous monitoring, especially with high fluid administration. However, their condition is currently being managed with IV fluids. While this client requires close observation, there is no immediate indication of a life-threatening change that demands immediate intervention compared to the firefighter's situation.
Choice C reason: The adult client admitted a week ago with deep partial-thickness burns over 35% of the body who is reporting pain is also in need of pain management and ongoing care. However, pain, while significant and requiring treatment, does not take precedence over the potential airway compromise and respiratory distress posed by smoke inhalation and facial burns in the firefighter.
Choice D reason: The firefighter with smoke inhalation and facial burns who has just arrived on the unit must be assessed first due to the immediate risk of airway compromise and respiratory distress. Smoke inhalation can lead to rapid swelling of the airways, making it a critical emergency. Facial burns also increase the risk of airway obstruction. Prompt assessment and intervention are essential to ensure the firefighter's airway remains patent and to provide necessary respiratory support.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Encouraging the patient to continue an exercise routine such as weightlifting is not appropriate for a patient with esophageal varices. Weightlifting and other strenuous activities can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which may lead to the rupture of the varices and cause severe bleeding.
Choice B reason: Advising the patient to avoid straining at stools is the correct intervention. Straining during bowel movements can increase intra-abdominal pressure and the risk of rupturing the esophageal varices. The nurse should encourage the patient to maintain soft stools through a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, and possibly stool softeners to prevent straining.
Choice C reason: Providing hot liquids as desired is not recommended for patients with esophageal varices. Hot liquids can cause vasodilation and potentially increase the risk of bleeding from the varices. Patients should be advised to consume beverages at moderate temperatures.
Choice D reason: Advising the patient to limit themselves to one alcoholic drink per day is not appropriate. Alcohol consumption can worsen liver disease, increase portal hypertension, and exacerbate esophageal varices. Patients with esophageal varices should be advised to avoid alcohol completely to reduce the risk of complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypotension and a decreased level of consciousness can occur in spinal shock due to the disruption of the sympathetic nervous system, but these are not the hallmark features. They are more secondary effects rather than the primary presentation.
Choice B reason: Stridor, garbled speech, or inability to clear the airway are not typical findings in spinal shock. These symptoms are more indicative of airway obstruction or respiratory distress, which are not directly related to spinal shock.
Choice C reason: Bradycardia and decreased urinary output can occur in spinal shock due to the loss of sympathetic tone, leading to unopposed parasympathetic activity. While these are relevant symptoms, they do not encompass the full scope of spinal shock.
Choice D reason: The primary findings in spinal shock are the temporary loss of motor, sensory, reflex, and autonomic function below the level of the spinal injury. This includes flaccid paralysis, loss of reflexes, and autonomic dysfunction, such as hypotension and bradycardia. These symptoms are the most defining characteristics of spinal shock.
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