The practical nurse (PN) receives a report of a stable client who experienced partial burn thickness over 30% burns body surface area (BSA) 3 days ago. Which complication is most important for the PN to anticipate?
Excruciating pain.
Elevated blood pressure.
Compartment syndrome.
Curling's Ulcer.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Urinary output is not directly related to stomatitis, which is inflammation of the mouth and throat. While monitoring urinary output is important in many situations, it is not relevant in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Blood pressure while standing is not directly related to stomatitis either. This assessment is more relevant for conditions such as orthostatic hypotension, which can cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing.
Choice C rationale:
Ability to swallow is crucial in the context of stomatitis. Stomatitis can cause painful sores in the mouth, making it difficult for the client to eat or drink. Assessing the client's ability to swallow will help determine the impact of stomatitis on their nutritional intake and overall well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Frequency of bowel movements is unrelated to stomatitis. This assessment is more relevant for gastrointestinal issues or constipation, not for a condition affecting the mouth and throat.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: Culture for sensitive organisms.
- Choice A rationale:
- C-reactive protein level - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood test marker for inflammation in the body. While it could indicate an infection, it is not specific enough to identify the type of infection or the causative organism.
- Choice B rationale:
- Culture for sensitive organisms - When a wound has a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor, it is often a sign of a bacterial infection. A culture for sensitive organisms can help identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, which is crucial for determining the most effective treatment.
- Choice C rationale:
- Serum albumin - Serum albumin levels can indicate a person’s nutritional status. Low levels can slow wound healing, but they do not directly indicate the presence of an infection.
- Choice D rationale:
- Serum blood glucose (BG) level - High blood glucose levels can impair the immune response and slow wound healing, making a person more susceptible to infections. However, like CRP, it does not provide information about the specific organism causing the infection.
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