A nurse is assessing a client with a major burn injury.
Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize?
The client is producing black colored sputum.
The client has large blistered areas over his chest.
The client has edema at the burn site.
The client has decreased sensation over the burn areas.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The production of black colored sputum in a client with a major burn injury could indicate inhalation injury, which is a serious complication associated with burns. Inhalation injury can lead to respiratory failure, a leading cause of death in patients with burn injuries.
Choice B rationale
While large blistered areas over the chest indicate a significant burn injury, they are not immediately life-threatening. These areas will require wound care and monitoring for infection.
Choice C rationale
Edema at the burn site is a common response to burn injuries. It is caused by an increase in capillary permeability following the injury. While it needs to be monitored, it is not the highest priority.
Choice D rationale
Decreased sensation over the burn areas could indicate a deep partial-thickness or full-thickness burn. While this is a serious condition that will require treatment, it is not as immediately life-threatening as an inhalation injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While fatigue is a common symptom of Hodgkin’s disease, it is not the most urgent symptom to address when there is significant cervical lymph node enlargement.
Choice B rationale
Pain can be a symptom of Hodgkin’s disease, but it is not the most urgent symptom to address in this case.
Choice C rationale
Fever can be a symptom of Hodgkin’s disease, but it is not the most urgent symptom to address in this case.
Choice D rationale
Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow. Stridor may indicate a serious condition affecting the throat or larynx (voice box). With significant cervical lymph node enlargement, the lymph nodes may be pressing on the airway, causing stridor. This is a medical emergency and should be addressed first.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Areas around pins being dry is a normal finding and does not need to be reported.
Choice B rationale
Crusts around pins are also a normal finding as they are usually dried exudate and do not indicate an infection.
Choice C rationale
Purulent drainage around pins is a sign of infection. This should be reported to the unit care coordinator immediately as it may require antibiotic treatment.
Choice D rationale
Absence of pain at the site is a normal finding and does not need to be reported.
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