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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The PN should acknowledge the client's emotional state and allow him to express his feelings while also obtaining more information about the situation. By asking the client to share what he was told by the healthcare provider, the PN can gain a better understanding of the client's knowledge of the disease and provide appropriate education and support. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the client's emotional state or provide helpful information to the PN in this situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The information that poses the greatest risk for developing postpartum endometritis in this situation is that the client experienced spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) for 36 hours prior to delivery. SROM for an extended period of time increases the risk of infection, including postpartum endometritis, which is an infection of the uterus. The practical nurse (PN) should recognize this risk factor and monitor the client closely for signs of infection. The other information listed may also be important to consider, but SROM for 36 hours poses the greatest risk for developing postpartum endometritis in this situation.
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