A nurse is assisting in caring for a client who was just admitted with partial-thickness burns to their upper torso. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Use aseptic technique during wound care for the client.
Obtain the client's oxygen saturation levels.
Check the client's WBC count.
Regulate IV fluids to maintain the client's urinary output.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Use aseptic technique during wound care for the client. While using aseptic technique is essential for preventing infection during wound care, it is not the immediate priority upon admission. The nurse must first assess the client's airway and oxygenation status.
B. Obtain the client's oxygen saturation levels. Obtaining the client's oxygen saturation levels is the priority action. Clients with burns, especially those affecting the upper torso, may have compromised airway patency or inhalation injury. Assessing oxygen saturation is crucial for determining the need for supplemental oxygen or further airway interventions.
C. Check the client's WBC count. Checking the client's white blood cell (WBC) count is important for evaluating potential infection and overall health status, but it is not an immediate priority in the acute phase of burn management. The nurse should focus first on airway and respiratory assessment.
D. Regulate IV fluids to maintain the client's urinary output. Regulating IV fluids to maintain urinary output is an important action in managing burn clients, as fluid resuscitation is critical. However, it should be done after ensuring the client's airway and oxygenation are stable, as inadequate oxygenation could complicate fluid resuscitation efforts.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"E"}
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Choices:
Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection of the amniotic fluid and fetal membranes, which can develop when the protective barrier is compromised due to prolonged rupture of membranes. This client reported clear fluid discharge the previous evening, indicating that the membranes have been ruptured for an extended period. The risk of infection increases significantly as time progresses. Additionally, the client exhibits signs of maternal restlessness and increased fetal heart rate, which could indicate an early response to infection or fetal distress.
Hemorrhage is a significant risk during labor, especially as the cervix approaches full dilation and the client exhibits increasing amounts of blood-tinged vaginal discharge. The client’s history of previous pregnancy loss and current cervical changes suggest that monitoring for postpartum hemorrhage will be essential, particularly after delivery.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices:
Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy is a severe complication associated with conditions such as placental abruption, preeclampsia, or amniotic fluid embolism. However, this client does not exhibit hallmark signs such as widespread bruising, uncontrolled bleeding, or abnormal clotting, making this a less likely immediate risk.
Seizures are characteristic of eclampsia, which is typically preceded by severe preeclampsia. While the client is restless and experiencing significant pain, there are no findings of hypertension, hyperreflexia, or neurological disturbances such as visual changes or altered mental status, making seizures an unlikely concern at this time.
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by elevated blood pressure, proteinuria, and systemic symptoms. This client has stable blood pressure readings within the normal range, no evidence of proteinuria, and no indications of significant organ dysfunction, making preeclampsia an unlikely concern.
Dehydration is a potential concern due to the client’s nausea, vomiting, and lack of recent oral intake. However, there are no immediate signs of hemodynamic instability, such as hypotension or tachycardia, suggesting that dehydration is not the most pressing concern at this moment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Discontinue this medication if this occurs again. Stopping a newly prescribed medication without consulting a provider is not recommended. Many medications, including antihypertensives, can cause lightheadedness, and adjustments or precautions should be discussed with a healthcare provider rather than discontinuing the drug independently.
B. Sit back down for a few minutes when this occurs. Lightheadedness upon standing is often due to orthostatic hypotension, which can be managed by sitting back down to allow blood pressure to stabilize. Slowly changing positions, staying hydrated, and rising gradually can also help minimize symptoms.
C. Restrict your daily fluid intake. Reducing fluid intake can worsen symptoms of orthostatic hypotension by decreasing blood volume, leading to further drops in blood pressure. Instead, maintaining adequate hydration is essential to support circulatory stability and prevent dizziness.
D. Take a daily potassium supplement. Unless there is a confirmed potassium deficiency, supplementation is unnecessary and could lead to hyperkalemia, especially if the client is on medications affecting potassium levels. Lightheadedness is more commonly related to blood pressure changes rather than potassium imbalances.
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