The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the admission of a client with complications of left- sided heart failure. Which focused assessment should the PN implement first?

The correct answer is choice D, Pupils reactive to accommodation. Choice A rationale:

"Peripheral vision intact”. refers to the ability to see objects at the outer edges of one's visual field. It is not relevant to the assessment of pupillary response and does not describe the finding of pupils constricting as they change focus from a far object to a near object.

Choice B rationale:

"Nystagmus present with pupillary focus”. suggests involuntary rapid eye movements accompanied by changes in pupillary response. Nystagmus is not an expected finding during pupillary accommodation, and its presence would indicate a neurological issue rather than a normal response.

Choice C rationale:

"Consensual pupillary constriction present”. refers to both pupils constricting when light is shined into one eye. While this finding is normal, it does not specifically describe the pupils' response during accommodation when focusing from a far object to a near object.

Choice D rationale:

"Pupils reactive to accommodation”. accurately describes the normal physiological response of the pupils constricting as they change focus from a distant object to a nearby object. This response ensures that the appropriate amount of light enters the eyes to maintain clear vision during different distances of focus.

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.