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Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The RN has assigned a client who has an open burn wound to the LPN. Which instruction is
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
Infection can occur when microorganisms from another person or from the environment are
transferred to the client. Although all of the interventions listed can help reduce the risk for
infection, handwashing is the most effective technique for preventing infection transmission.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Safety and Infection Control
Standard Precautions/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
2. When providing care for a client with an acute burn injury, which nursing intervention is most
Autocontamination is the transfer of microorganisms from one area to another area of the
same clients body, causing infection of a previously uninfected area. Although all techniques
listed can help reduce the risk for infection, only changing gloves between carrying out wound
care on different parts of the clients body can prevent autocontamination.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Safety and Infection Control
Standard Precautions/Transmission-Based Precautions/Surgical Asepsis)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
3. The nurse is teaching burn prevention to a community group. Which information shared by a
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
House fires are a common occurrence and often lead to serious injury or death. The nurse
should be most concerned about a person who wakes up at night and smokes. The nurse needs
to question this person about whether he or she gets out of bed to do so, or if this person stays
in bed, which could lead to falling back asleep with a lighted cigarette. Although it is
recommended to have chimneys swept every year, skipping a year does not pose as much
danger as smoking in bed, particularly if the person does not burn wood frequently. Water
heaters should be set below 140 F. Space heaters should be used with caution, and the nurse
may want to ensure that the person does not allow it to get near clothing or bedding. But the
most immediate concern is the persons smoking upon waking up at night.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance (Lifestyle Choices)
MSC: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
4. The nurse is conducting a home safety class. It is most important for the nurse to include
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
Everyone should use smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their home
environment (just not in a garage). Recommendations are that each bedroom should have a
separate smoke detector. Smoke detectors should also be placed in the hallway of each story,
in the kitchen, in each stairwell, and by each entrance. Space heaters can be a cause of fire if
clothing, bedding, and other flammable objects are nearby. An escape route is very important,
but successfully escaping also depends on early recognition of a fire, which is assisted by
smoke detectors.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding
REF: p. 520
TOP: Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance (Health Promotion/Disease
Prevention)
MSC: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
5. A client with facial burns asks the nurse if he will ever look the same. Which response is best
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
6. The nurse has provided instruction on the facial pressure garment to a client with facial burns.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
The purpose of wearing the pressure garment over burn injuries for up to 1 year is to prevent
hypertrophic scarring and contractures from forming. Scars will still be present. Although the
mask does provide protection of sensitive, newly healed skin and grafts from sun exposure,
this is not the purpose of wearing the mask. The pressure garment will not alter the risk for
infection.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationIllness
Management)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Evaluation)
7. Which finding indicates to the nurse that a client with a burn injury has a positive perception
of his appearance?
Allowing family members to change the dressings
Discussing future surgical reconstruction
Performing morning care independently
Wearing the pressure dressings as ordered
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
Indicators that the client with a burn injury has a positive perception of his appearance include
his or her willingness to touch the affected body part. Self-care activities such as morning care
foster feelings of self-worth, which are closely linked to body image. Allowing others to
change the dressing and discussing future reconstruction would not indicate a positive
perception of appearance. Wearing the dressing will assist in decreasing complications but
will not enhance self-perception.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity (Coping Mechanisms)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Evaluation)
8. Which statement best exemplifies a clients understanding of rehabilitation after a full-
Although a return to preburn functional levels is rarely possible, burned clients are considered
fully recovered or rehabilitated when they have achieved their highest possible level of
physical, social, and emotional functioning. The technical rehabilitative phase of rehabilitation
begins with wound closure and ends when the client returns to her or his highest possible level
of functioning.
During the recovery period, and for some time after discharge from the hospital, clients with
severe burn injuries are likely to have psychological problems that require intervention.
Depression is one of these problems. Grief, loss, anxiety, anger, fear, and guilt are all normal
feelings that can occur. Clients need to know that problems of physical care and psychological
stresses may be overwhelming.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity (Grief and Loss)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Evaluation)
10. A client is in the emergency department after being rescued from a house fire. After the initial
assessment, the client develops a loud, brassy cough. What intervention by the nurse takes
priority?
a. Apply oxygen and continuous pulse oximetry.
b. Allow the client to suck on small quantities of ice chips.
c. Request an antitussive medication from the physician.
d. Have the respiratory therapist provide humidified room air.
ANS: A
Brassy cough and wheezing are some of the signs seen with inhalation injury. The first action
by the nurse is to give the client oxygen. Clients with possible inhalation injury also need
continuous pulse oximetry. Ice chips and humidified room air will not help the problem, and
antitussives are not warranted.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationMedical
Emergencies)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)
11. A client has burns on both legs. These areas appear white and leather-like. No blisters or
bleeding is present, and the client describes just a small amount of pain. How does the nurse
categorize this injury?
a. Partial thickness deep
b. Partial thickness superficial
c. Full thickness
d. Superficial
ANS: C
The characteristics of the wounds meet the criteria for a full-thickness injury: color that is
black, brown, yellow, white, or red; no blisters; minimal pain; and firm and inelastic outer
layer. Partial-thickness superficial burns appear pink to red and are painful. Partial-thickness
burns are deep red to white and painful, and superficial burns are pink to red and are also
painful.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding
REF: p. 515
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationPathophysiology)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)
12. A client has a large burned area on the right arm. The burned area appears pink, has blisters,
and is very painful. How does the nurse categorize this injury?
Full thickness
Partial thickness superficial
Partial thickness deep
Superficial
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
The characteristics of the wound meet the criteria for a superficial partial-thickness injury:
color that is pink or red; blisters; and pain. Blisters are not seen with full-thickness and
superficial burns and are rarely seen with deep partial-thickness burns. Deep partial-thickness
burns appear red to white.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding
REF: p. 514
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationPathophysiology)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)
13. A client with a new burn injury asks the nurse why he is receiving intravenous cimetidine
Ulcerative gastrointestinal disease (Curlings ulcer) may develop within 24 hours after a
severe burn as a result of increased hydrochloric acid production and a decreased mucosal
barrier. This process occurs because of the sympathetic nervous system stress response.
Cimetidine inhibits the production and release of hydrochloric acid. Cimetidine does not
affect intestinal movement and does not prevent hypovolemic shock or kidney damage.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding
REF: p. 517
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Expected Actions/Outcomes) MSC:
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
14. A client who is burned is drooling and is having difficulty swallowing. Which action does the
ANS: C
Inhalation injuries are present in 7% of clients admitted to burn centers. Drooling and
difficulty swallowing can mean that the client is about to lose his airway because of this
injury. Absence of breath sounds over the trachea and mainstem bronchi indicates impending
airway obstruction and demands immediate intubation. Knowing the level of consciousness is
important in assessing oxygenation to the brain. Ascertaining the time of last food intake is
important, in case intubation is necessary (the nurse will be more alert for signs of aspiration).
However, assessing for air exchange is the most important intervention at this time. Measuring
abdominal girth is not relevant in this situation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationMedical
Emergencies)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
15. On assessment, the nurse notes that a client has burns inside the mouth and is wheezing.
Several hours later, the wheezing is no longer heard. What is the nurses next action?
a. Document the findings and reassess in 1 hour.
b. Loosen any constrictive dressings on the chest.
c. Raise the head of the bed to a semi-Fowlers position.
d. Gather appropriate equipment and prepare for intubation.
ANS: D
Clients with severe inhalation injuries may sustain such progressive obstruction that they may
lose effective movement of air. When this occurs, wheezing is no longer heard, and neither are
breath sounds. These clients can lose their airways very quickly, so prompt action is needed.
The client requires establishment of an emergency airway. Swelling usually precludes
intubation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationMedical
Emergencies)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
16. A client who is receiving fluid resuscitation per the Parkland formula after a serious burn
continues to have urine output ranging from 0.2 to 0.25 mL/kg/hour. After the health care
provider checks the client, which order does the nurse question?
a. Increase IV fluids by 100 mL/hr.
b. Administer furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg IV push.
c. Continue to monitor urine output hourly.
d. Draw blood for serum electrolytes stat.
ANS: B
Postburn fluid needs are calculated initially by using a standardized formula such as the
Parkland formula. However, needs vary among clients, and the final fluid volume needed is
adjusted to maintain hourly urine output at 0.5 mL/kg/hr. Based on this clients inadequate
urine output, fluids need to be increased. The other orders are appropriate.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationIllness
Management)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
17. A client is 24 hours post burn and has the following laboratory results. Which result does the
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
The serum potassium level is changed to the degree that serious life-threatening responses
could result. With such a rapid rise in potassium level, the client is at high risk for
experiencing severe cardiac dysrhythmias and death. All the other findings are abnormal but
do not show the same degree of severity; they would be expected in the emergent phase after a
burn injury.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialLaboratory
Values)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)
18. Ten hours after a client with 50% burns is admitted, her blood glucose level is 152 mg/dL.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Neural and hormonal compensation to the stress of the burn injury in the emergent phase
increases liver glucose production and release. An acute rise in the blood glucose level is an
expected client response and is helpful in the generation of energy needed for the increased
metabolism that accompanies this trauma. A family history of diabetes could place her at
higher risk for the disease, but this is not a priority at this time. The glucose level is not high
enough to warrant retesting. The cause of her elevated blood glucose is not the IV fluid.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationPathophysiology)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
19. A client who was burned has crackles in both lung bases and a respiratory rate of 40
breaths/min and is coughing up blood-tinged sputum. Which action by the nurse takes
priority?
a. Administer digoxin.
b. Perform chest physiotherapy.
c. Document and reassess in an hour.
d. Place the client in an upright position.
ANS: D
Pulmonary edema can result from fluid resuscitation given for burn treatment. This can occur
even in a young healthy person. Placing the client in an upright position can relieve lung
congestion immediately before other measures can be carried out. Digoxin may be given later
to enhance cardiac contractility to prevent backup of fluid into the lungs. Chest physiotherapy
will not get rid of fluid.
pressure, 70/40; heart rate, 140 beats/min; and respiratory rate, 25 breaths/min. He is pale, and
it is difficult to find pedal pulses. Which action does the nurse take first?
a. Begin intravenous fluid resuscitation.
b. Check pulses with a Doppler device.
c. Obtain a complete blood count (CBC).
d. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG).
ANS: A
Hypovolemic shock is a common cause of death in the emergent phase of clients with serious
injury. Fluids can treat this problem. ECG and CBC will be taken to ascertain whether a
cardiac or bleeding problem is causing these vital signs. However, these are not actions that
the nurse would take immediately. Checking pulses would indicate perfusion to the periphery,
but this is not an immediate nursing action.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationMedical
Emergencies)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)
21. A client is brought to the emergency department by an emergency medical services (EMS)
squad after being burned with unknown chemicals. The clients body is covered with a white,
powdery substance, and the client cries out, Get this stuff off me! Its burning me! Which
action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Have the client take a shower, and bag all clothing.
b. Brush the substance off the client and remove clothes.
c. Call poison control to try to identify the chemical.
d. Start an IV line and prepare to administer analgesics.
ANS: B
A priority first action in burn care is to stop the burning process. Chemicals can continue to
burn the client even after they have been removed, so removing them from the client is an
important action. With unknown dry substances, adding water could potentiate their action, so
the best action is to brush off as much of the chemical as possible from the client and clothing,
then remove the clothing. Calling poison control would take too long if the chemical could be
identified, and analgesics should be given after the burning process has been halted by
removal of the offending substance.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationMedical
Emergencies)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
22. A client suffered a 45% total body surface area (TBSA) burn and was intubated. Twelve hours
later, bowel sounds were absent in all four abdominal quadrants. Which is the nurses best
action?
a. Administer a laxative.
b. Document the finding.
Decreased or absent peristalsis is a frequent response during the emergent phase of burn injury
as a result of neural and hormonal compensation to the stress of injury. The result is often a
paralytic ileus. Clients who have burns greater than 25% TBSA or who are intubated generally
need to have an NG tube inserted.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialPotential for
Alterations in Body Systems)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
23. A client has experienced an electrical injury of the lower extremities. Which priority
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
The airway is not at any particular risk with this injury. Therefore, respiratory rate and pulse
oximetry are not priority assessments. Electrical current travels through the body from the
entrance site to the exit site and can seriously damage all tissues between the two sites. Early
cardiac damage from electrical injury includes irregular heart rate and rhythm, and ECG
changes. Range-of-motion and neurologic assessments are important; however, the priority is
to make sure that the heart rate and rhythm are adequate to support perfusion to the brain and
other vital organs.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialPotential for
Alterations in Body Systems)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)
24. A client is receiving fluid resuscitation after a burn. Which finding indicates that fluid
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
The fluid remobilization phase improves renal blood flow, increases diuresis, and restores
blood pressure and heart rate, as well as laboratory values, to more normal levels.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationIllness
Management)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)
25. The nurse provides wound care for a client 48 hours after a burn injury. To achieve the desired
outcome of the procedure, which action does the nurse perform first?
a. Apply silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) ointment.
All steps are part of the nonsurgical wound care for clients with burn injuries. The first step in
this process consists of removing exudates and necrotic tissue. This promotes wound healing.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationIllness
Management)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
26. Which nursing intervention is likely to be most helpful in providing adequate nutrition while a
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Clients should request food whenever they think they can eat, not just according to the
hospitals standard meal schedule. The nurse needs to work with a dietitian to provide a highcalorie, high-protein diet to help with wound healing. Clients who can eat solid foods should
ingest as many calories as possible; they may need as many as 5000 kcal/day. Specific caloric
requirements can be determined by the dietitian. Parenteral nutrition may be given as a last
resort because it is invasive and can lead to infectious and metabolic complications.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialPotential for
Complications from Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
27. The family of a client who has been burned asks when the client will no longer be at greater
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
Intact skin is a major barrier to infection and other disruptions in homeostasis. No matter how
much time has passed since the burn injury, the client remains at high risk for infection as long
as any area of skin is open.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding
REF: p. 512
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialPotential for
Alterations in Body Systems)
MSC: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
28. A client with open burn wounds begins to have diarrhea. The client is found to have a below-
normal temperature, with a white blood cell count of 4000/mm3. Which action by the nurse is
most appropriate?
a. Continue to monitor the client.
These findings are associated with systemic Gram-negative infection and sepsis. To verify that
sepsis is occurring, cultures of the wound and blood must be taken to determine the
appropriate antibiotic to be started. Continuing just to monitor the situation can lead to septic
shock. Increasing the temperature in the room may make the client more comfortable, but the
priority is finding out whether the client has sepsis and treating it before it becomes a shock
situation. The rate of intravenous fluids may be increased to replace fluid losses associated
with diarrhea, but this is not the priority action.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialPotential for
Alterations in Body Systems)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
29. The nurse uses topical gentamicin sulfate (Garamycin) on a clients burn injury. Which
Gentamicin is nephrotoxic, and sufficient amounts can be absorbed through burn wounds to
affect kidney function. Any client receiving gentamicin by any route should have kidney
function monitored. Topical gentamicin will not affect the red blood cell count or the sodium
or magnesium level.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
30. The nurse has been teaching a client about skin grafting procedures. What statement indicates
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Factors other than tissue type, such as circulation and infection, influence whether and how
well a graft will work. The client should be prepared for the possibility that not all grafting
procedures will be successful. Donor sites will be painful after surgery, scarring can occur in
the area where skin is removed for grafting, and the client is still at risk for infection.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationIllness
Management)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Evaluation)
31. Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate to reduce a clients pain after a burn
injury?
Administering morphine sulfate 4 mg intravenously
Administering morphine sulfate 4 mg intramuscularly
Applying ice to the burned area for 20 minutes
Avoiding tactile stimulation near the burned area
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Drug therapy for pain management requires opioid and non-opioid analgesics. The IV route is
used because of problems with absorption from the muscle and the stomach. Tactile
stimulation can be used for pain management. For the client to avoid shivering, the room must
be kept warm, and ice should not be used. Ice would decrease blood flow to the area.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Expected Actions/Outcomes)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
32. The nurse assesses a client in the burn unit after the client was repositioned by the nursing
assistant. The nurse intervenes after finding the client repositioned in what manner?
Supine with one pillow behind the head
Semi-Fowlers position with arms elevated
Wrists extended to 30 degrees in a splint
A towel roll placed under the neck or shoulder
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Clients must be positioned to prevent contractures. The function that would be disrupted by a
contracture to the posterior neck is flexion. The client should not be positioned with a pillow
behind the head; this would increase flexion. The nurse must intervene and position the client
so that neck flexion does not occur. The other options include proper positioning techniques
that will help prevent contracture.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialPotential for
Complications from Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
33. A client has severe burns around the right hip. Which position does the nurse instruct the
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
Maximum function for ambulation occurs when the hip and the leg are maintained at full
extension with neutral rotation. Although the client does not have to spend 24 hours in this
position, he or she should be in this position (in bed or standing) longer than with the hip in
any degree of flexion.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialPotential for
Complications from Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
34. A client who suffered burns in a house fire reports a headache and is not consistently oriented
These manifestations are consistent with moderated carbon monoxide poisoning. This client is
at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning because he or she was in a fire in an enclosed space.
The other options will not provide information related to carbon monoxide poisoning.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialLaboratory
Tests) MSC:
Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)
35. A client who has had a full-thickness burn is being discharged from the hospital. Which
Critical for the goal of progression toward independence for the client is teaching clients and
family members to perform care tasks such as dressing changes. All of the other options are
important in the rehabilitation stage. However, dressing changes have priority.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance (Self-Care)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
36. An older adult client with burns has a white blood cell count of 10,000/mm3. The client is
afebrile with a heart rate of 110 beats/min, a respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min, and blood
pressure of 112/68 mm Hg. The clients wound is pale, and edema is noted in the surrounding
tissues. Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Assess the clients skin for signs of adequate perfusion.
b. Calculate intake and output ratio for the last 24 hours.
c. Prepare to obtain blood and wound cultures.
d. Place the client in an isolation room.
ANS: C
Older clients have a decreased immune response, so they may not exhibit signs that their
immune system is actively fighting an infection such as fever or an increased white blood cell
count. They also are at higher risk for sepsis arising from a localized wound infection. The
wound shows signs of local infection, so the nurse should assess for this and for systemic
infection before the client manifests sepsis. The other options would yield important data but
do not take priority over determining whether the client has an infection.
Using the Parkland formula, calculate the rate that the nurse should use to deliver fluid when
the IV is started at noon.
ANS:
1500 mL/hr
The Parkland formula is 4 mL/kg/%total body surface area (TBSA) burn. This client needs
18,000 mL of fluid during the first 24 hours post burn. Half of the calculated fluid
replacement needs to be administered during the first 8 hours after injury, and half during the
next 16 hours. This client was burned at 10 AM, and fluid was not started until noon.
Therefore, 9000 mL must be infused over the next 6 hours at a rate of 1500 mL/hr to meet the
criteria of receiving half the calculated dose during the first 8 post burn hours.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationIllness
Management)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
OTHER
1. A client is in the emergency department with a burn calculated to be 35% TBSA. The nurse
ANS:
A [subclavian vein]
Clients with burns greater than 25% TBSA are at great risk for hypovolemic shock and need
fluid resuscitation. The large volume of fluids this client needs will be delivered at a very
rapid rate, so the IV needs to be a central venous catheter instead of a peripheral IV. All other
sites are peripheral sites.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological Adaptation-Medical
Emergencies)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)