A nurse is assisting with the care of a client that sustained deep partial thickness and full thickness burns over 60% of their body 24 hours ago and is requesting pain medication. The nurse would ensure the medication is administered using which of the following routes to administer the medication?
Subcutaneous
Intravenous
Transdermal
Oral
The Correct Answer is B
A. Subcutaneous
Poor tissue perfusion in burn clients makes subcutaneous administration ineffective.
B. Intravenous
In the acute phase of major burns, the IV route is preferred for analgesia because of unreliable absorption from other routes due to poor tissue perfusion.
C. Transdermal
Damaged or burned skin will not absorb medications effectively.
D. Oral
Oral absorption may be delayed or unpredictable due to stress responses, NPO status, or ileus in critically ill burn clients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Percent of body surface burned:
Important for guiding fluid resuscitation, but airway and breathing always take priority in the ABCs.
B. Respiratory status:
Inhalation injury is a life-threatening complication in fire-related burns. Assess for stridor, soot in nares/mouth, and signs of respiratory distress first.
C. Review of chronic illnesses:
Relevant for overall care planning, but not an initial priority in the emergency phase.
D. Burn depth:
Guides long-term care but is secondary to airway and breathing in the acute setting.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decreased metabolic rate:
Burns cause an increase, not decrease, in metabolic rate due to the hypermetabolic state post-injury.
B. Increased capillary permeability:
This is a hallmark of burn injuries. Damaged capillaries leak fluid into interstitial spaces, leading to fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
C. Normal electrolyte levels:
Electrolyte levels are often abnormal in burn patients due to fluid shifts and tissue damage.
D. Excessive fluid intake:
Overhydration can be harmful, but it is not a typical cause of the initial fluid imbalance seen in burns.
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