A 68-year-old male patient, who had bilateral total hip arthroplasty two years ago, arrived at the emergency department by ambulance.
He reports that he slipped while putting away groceries at home.
He did not feel dizzy or lightheaded before the fall.
He fell face-forward, hitting his head on the wall and his left shoulder on the floor.
He reports pain mainly in his left shoulder.
As a nurse, what interventions should you plan to reduce further complications?

Choice A rationale

A boggy fundus refers to an enlarged, soft, and tender uterus identified during physical examination. It is most commonly caused by uterine atony or adenomyosis. A boggy fundus 1 cm above the umbilicus requires immediate follow-up as it indicates that the uterus is not contracting properly after childbirth, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage.

Choice B rationale

A fundus rotated to the right could indicate a distended bladder. This requires immediate follow-up as it can lead to urinary retention and other complications.

Choice C rationale

Voiding 200 mL of clear yellow urine is a normal finding and does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice D rationale

A blood pressure of 90/62 mm Hg is considered normal according to the American Heart Association. Therefore, it does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice A rationale

The administration of crystalloid fluids in the first 24 hours following a burn incident promotes fluid resuscitation due to capillary leaking. In the aftermath of a burn, there is a disruption of the normal fluid balance in the body, leading to increased capillary permeability and fluid shifts. This can result in a condition known as burn shock, characterized by decreased blood volume and inadequate tissue perfusion. The administration of crystalloid fluids helps to restore intravascular volume, improve tissue perfusion, and prevent burn shock. It also minimizes burn wound conversion and reduces the incidences of post-burn renal failure, life-threatening electrolyte disturbances, and mortality.

Choice B rationale

While restoration of electrolyte balance is an important aspect of burn management, it is not the primary physiological response promoted by the administration of crystalloid fluids in the immediate aftermath of a burn. Electrolyte imbalances in burn patients are usually a result of the systemic inflammatory response, fluid shifts, and renal dysfunction that can occur after a burn. These imbalances are typically managed through careful monitoring and specific electrolyte replacement therapies, rather than through the initial administration of crystalloid fluids.

Choice C rationale

Replacement of insensible water loss is another important aspect of burn management, but it is not the primary physiological response promoted by the administration of crystalloid fluids in the immediate aftermath of a burn. Insensible water loss occurs through evaporation from the burn wound surface and can be significant in burn patients. However, this is typically managed through the maintenance of a humidified environment and specific fluid replacement strategies, rather than through the initial administration of crystalloid fluids.

Choice D rationale

Extension of plasma until blood is available is not the primary physiological response promoted by the administration of crystalloid fluids in the immediate aftermath of a burn. While blood products may be required in the management of severe burns, particularly if there is significant blood loss or hemodynamic instability, the initial focus of fluid resuscitation in burn patients is on the administration of crystalloid solutions to restore intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion.