A client with 50% full-thickness burns has received fluid resuscitation for the past 24 hours. Which assessment warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
Average urine output of 28 mL/hour.
Vesicular bibasilar breath sounds.
Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles.
Central venous pressure of 12 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is: c. Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles.
Choice A: Average urine output of 28 mL/hour
Reason: The normal urine output for an adult is typically 0.5 mL/kg/hr, which translates to about 30-50 mL/hr for most adults. An average urine output of 28 mL/hour is slightly below this range, indicating possible inadequate fluid resuscitation. However, it is not immediately life-threatening and does not warrant the most urgent intervention compared to other options.
Choice B: Vesicular bibasilar breath sounds
Reason: Vesicular breath sounds are normal lung sounds heard over most of the lung fields. They are soft and low-pitched, indicating that the airways are clear. Therefore, vesicular bibasilar breath sounds do not indicate any immediate respiratory distress or fluid overload and do not require urgent intervention.
Choice C: Inspiratory and expiratory bilateral crackles
Reason: Crackles, also known as rales, are abnormal lung sounds that indicate the presence of fluid in the alveoli. Bilateral crackles heard during both inspiration and expiration suggest significant pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
Choice D: Central venous pressure of 12 mm Hg
Reason: The normal range for central venous pressure (CVP) is 2-8 mm Hg. A CVP of 12 mm Hg is elevated, indicating possible fluid overload or heart failure. While this is concerning and requires monitoring, it is not as immediately critical as bilateral crackles, which directly affect oxygenation and respiratory function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is: a, c, d.
Choice A: Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
Reason: Prolonged standing or sitting can exacerbate symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) by increasing venous pressure and promoting blood pooling in the legs. Movement helps to enhance venous return and reduce swelling.
Choice B: Cross legs at the knee but not at the ankle
Reason: Crossing legs at the knee can impede blood flow and increase venous pressure, which is counterproductive for managing CVI. It is generally advised to avoid crossing legs at the knee to promote better circulation.
Choice C: Continue wearing compression stockings
Reason: Compression stockings are a cornerstone in the management of CVI. They help to improve venous return, reduce swelling, and prevent blood from pooling in the legs. Compression stockings should be worn as prescribed, typically during the day and removed at night.
Choice D: Use a recliner for long periods of sitting
Reason: Using a recliner can help elevate the legs above heart level, which reduces venous pressure and promotes venous return. This position can help alleviate symptoms of CVI.
Choice E: Maintain the bed flat while sleeping
Reason: Maintaining the bed flat while sleeping is not recommended for CVI management. Elevating the legs while sleeping can help reduce venous pressure and prevent blood from pooling in the legs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Before administering IV fluids containing potassium chloride, it is crucial to ensure that the client has adequate urinary output, typically between 30 to 60 mL/hr. This indicates good kidney function, which is necessary for the excretion of potassium to prevent hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Choice B reason: While magnesium levels can affect potassium levels, they are not the most critical assessment before potassium infusion. However, it is important to monitor magnesium levels as part of the overall electrolyte balance, especially in diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice C reason: The size of the IV catheter is important for administration purposes, but it is not the most critical assessment data before starting potassium infusion. The catheter size affects the flow rate and comfort during infusion but does not impact the decision to start the infusion.
Choice D reason: Serum glucose level is a vital parameter to monitor in diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not the most critical assessment before starting potassium infusion. The primary concern with potassium infusion is kidney function, as assessed by urinary output.
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