A nurse is caring for a client during the fluid resuscitation phase of burn management. Which of the following is the best method for assessing the results of the fluid resuscitation?
Urine output is greater than 0.5 mL/kg/hr
Serum hemoglobin is 11 gm/dL
Breath sounds are clear bilaterally
Heart rate is 122/min
The Correct Answer is A
A. Urine output is greater than 0.5 mL/kg/hr
During the fluid resuscitation phase of burn management, one of the primary goals is to maintain adequate tissue perfusion and organ function by ensuring sufficient fluid intake. The best method for assessing the results of fluid resuscitation is by monitoring urine output. A urine output of greater than 0.5 mL/kg/hr is indicative of adequate renal perfusion and kidney function, suggesting that fluid resuscitation is effective in maintaining tissue perfusion and preventing complications such as acute kidney injury.
B. Serum hemoglobin is 11 gm/dL
Serum hemoglobin levels can be affected by various factors, including fluid resuscitation, blood loss, and other medical conditions. While monitoring hemoglobin levels is important in overall patient assessment, it is not the best method specifically for assessing the results of fluid resuscitation during the initial phase of burn management.
C. Breath sounds are clear bilaterally
Clear bilateral breath sounds indicate adequate lung function and ventilation but may not directly reflect the effectiveness of fluid resuscitation in maintaining tissue perfusion. Lung sounds can be influenced by factors such as lung injury from smoke inhalation or mechanical ventilation settings, which may not correlate directly with fluid resuscitation outcomes.
D. Heart rate is 122/min
Heart rate can be influenced by various factors such as pain, stress, medications, and underlying medical conditions. While monitoring heart rate is important in assessing patient status, it is not the most reliable method for specifically evaluating the results of fluid resuscitation during the fluid resuscitation phase of burn management.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Smoking causes you to cough frequently, and the wound might get infected by sputum.
While smoking can indeed contribute to respiratory issues like coughing, linking this directly to wound infection by sputum is not the most accurate explanation of how smoking affects wound healing. The primary concern with smoking and wound healing lies in its effects on circulation and tissue oxygenation rather than the risk of infection due to coughing.
B. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, so your wound might not get enough blood flow to heal.
This is the best response among the options provided. Nicotine, a major component of cigarette smoke, is known to constrict blood vessels (vasoconstriction). This constriction reduces blood flow to the wound site, leading to decreased delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for proper wound healing. It addresses the direct physiological impact of smoking on wound healing and provides a clear explanation for the client.
C. Nicotine causes tar to build up in the wound, and it will impair healing.
While nicotine and other components of tobacco smoke can have detrimental effects on healing, particularly through vasoconstriction, the explanation about tar building up in the wound is not entirely accurate. Tar is more associated with lung damage from smoking rather than direct buildup in external wounds. Therefore, this response is less specific and may confuse the client about the actual mechanism of how smoking affects wound healing.
D. Smoking is bad, and you should stop right away.
While this response emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation, it lacks specificity in explaining how smoking impacts wound healing. Providing specific information about vasoconstriction due to nicotine, as mentioned in option B, would be more helpful in helping the client understand the direct effects of smoking on their chronic wound and why cessation is crucial.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate, rhythm, depth:
This is the correct action to take first. Hypokalemia can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, which can result in respiratory compromise or failure. Assessing the patient's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth will help determine if there are any signs of respiratory distress or impending respiratory failure.
B. Call the healthcare provider:
While it's important to involve the healthcare provider, especially if there is a significant change in the patient's condition, assessing the patient's immediate respiratory status takes priority to ensure prompt intervention if respiratory distress is present.
C. Document findings and monitor the patient:
Documenting findings and ongoing monitoring are essential steps, but they come after addressing the patient's immediate needs, such as assessing respiratory status in this case.
D. Measure the patient’s pulse and blood pressure:
While vital signs are important, they may not immediately address the potential respiratory compromise associated with hypokalemia-induced muscle weakness. Assessing respiratory status is more directly relevant to the observed change in handgrip strength.
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