When caring for a client with full-thickness burns to both lower extremities, which assessment finding(s) warrant immediate intervention by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
Sloughing tissue around wound edges.
Change in the quality of the peripheral pulses.
Weeping serosanguineous fluid from wounds.
Loss of sensation to the left lower extremity.
Complaint of increased pain and pressure.
Correct Answer : B,D,E
These findings suggest potential complications and compromise to the client's circulation and nerve function, which require immediate attention.
Changes in the quality of peripheral pulses indicate alterations in blood flow and may suggest vascular compromise or decreased perfusion to the affected areas. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage and ensure adequate blood supply to the extremities.
Loss of sensation to the left lower extremity can be indicative of nerve injury or impaired peripheral nerve function. It is important to assess for nerve damage and address it promptly to prevent complications and maximize the client's recovery.
Complaints of increased pain and pressure are concerning because they may indicate the development of compartment syndrome, a serious complication in which pressure within the muscles and tissues builds up to dangerous levels. Prompt intervention is necessary to relieve the pressure and prevent tissue damage.
While sloughing tissue around wound edges and weeping serosanguineous fluid from wounds are important assessment findings in the context of burn care, they do not require immediate intervention compared to the findings mentioned above. These findings should still be addressed and managed appropriately, but they are not considered immediate emergencies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition characterized by a severe infection that leads to systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction, and low blood pressure. Maintaining strict intake and output monitoring is essential to assess the client's fluid balance and response to interventions. It allows the nurse to closely monitor the client's urine output, which is a crucial indicator of renal perfusion and overall organ function.
Monitoring urine output helps the nurse assess the adequacy of tissue perfusion and the client's response to fluid resuscitation. A decrease in urine output can be an early sign of worsening organ dysfunction and a need for further interventions.
While assessing the warmth of extremities is important for evaluating peripheral perfusion, maintaining strict intake and output monitoring takes priority as it provides more comprehensive information about the client's overall fluid status.
Raising the head of the bed 45 degrees (semi-Fowler's position) can help optimize respiratory function and reduce the risk of aspiration, but it is not the most important intervention in this case.
Monitoring blood glucose levels is important, as hyperglycemia can be associated with sepsis. However, in the context of septic shock, maintaining strict intake and output monitoring takes precedence as it directly assesses the client's fluid balance and response to interventions.
It's crucial to note that the management of septic shock requires a multidisciplinary approach, and other interventions, such as administering appropriate antibiotics, initiating fluid resuscitation, and addressing the underlying source of infection, should also be implemented in a timely manner.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The presence of purulent drainage at the wound indicates a potential infection, and monitoring the client's WBC count is an important laboratory value to assess for signs of infection. An elevated WBC count, specifically an increase in the neutrophil count (neutrophilia), can indicate an active infection and provide important information for the healthcare provider when evaluating the wound.
While hematocrit, platelet count, and creatinine level are essential laboratory values to assess the client's overall condition, they may not provide specific information regarding the presence of infection or purulent drainage at the wound site.
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