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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram is important for monitoring cardiac function, it is not as frequent or specific as potassium monitoring for hyperkalemia management.
Choice B reason: Evaluating glucose levels is necessary due to the risk of hypoglycemia from insulin administration, but the priority is monitoring potassium levels in hyperkalemia.
Choice C reason: Monitoring intake and output is part of fluid balance management but is secondary to the critical need to monitor serum potassium levels.
Choice D reason: Frequent assessment of serum potassium levels is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the dextrose and insulin therapy in lowering potassium levels.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the most immediate and important action to take to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19, especially in a healthcare setting where there is a risk of infecting others.
Choice B reason: While placing the swab in a biohazard bag is a standard procedure, it is not as critical as isolating the patient to prevent transmission.
Choice C reason: Assisting the client to recall contacts is important for contact tracing, but it is secondary to immediate infection control measures within the clinic.
Choice D reason: Educating the client on preventive measures is important, but it does not take precedence over immediate actions to prevent the spread of infection in the clinic.
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