The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client that has just arrived in the emergency department with 2nd degree thermal burns to the right thigh, lower leg and foot, and reports severe pain in the right leg. Which priority action should the PN take while caring for this patient?
Anticipate rehydration of 1000 mL/6 hr. with normal saline.
Remove clothing, cover burned area with cool damp cloth.
Completely flush burned area with water or sterile saline.
Collect data, vital signs, blood gases, height and weight.
The Correct Answer is B
The priority action for the practical nurse (PN) to take while caring for a client that has just arrived in the emergency department with 2nd degree thermal burns to the right thigh, lower leg and foot, and reports severe pain in the right leg is to remove clothing and cover the burned area with a cool damp cloth. This will help to cool the burn and reduce pain.
Anticipating rehydration of 1000 mL/6 hr. with normal saline (Option A) is an important intervention for burn patients, but it is not the first priority. Completely flushing the burned area with water or sterile saline (Option C) may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not the first intervention that should be implemented. Collecting data such as vital signs, blood gases, height and weight (Option D) is also important, but it is not the first priority.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Fetal heart rate (FHR) is one of the essential indicators of fetal well-being during labor. A fall in FHR following each contraction is known as recurrent deceleration and can be an indication of fetal distress. In this case, the PN should first reposition the client laterally, as this may help to alleviate compression of the umbilical cord and improve fetal oxygenation.
A. Administering oxygen at 10 L/face mask may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented in this scenario.
B. Discontinuing oxytocin infusion may be necessary, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented in this scenario.
C. Observing perineum for cord prolapse is not necessary in this scenario.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This finding may indicate a potential cardiac issue that needs immediate medical atention. Projectile vomiting and excessive hunger in a young infant may be signs of pyloric stenosis, a condition in which the muscle between the stomach and small intestine thickens, making it difficult for food to pass through.
Hyperactive gastric sounds may be present with vomiting, but it is not an immediate concern.
Crying without tears may be a sign of dehydration, but it is not an immediate concern.
Underweight for age is a concern but it is not a finding that requires immediate intervention.
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