A nurse is caring for a client who has sustained a gasoline burn to 25% of the body. Which of the following is a priority safety concern when caring for this client?

A. Stop the infusion of IV fluids:

This action may be appropriate if there are signs of infiltration or extravasation, where the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue instead of entering the vein. Stopping the infusion can help prevent further tissue damage and assess the extent of the infiltration.

B. Apply cold compresses to the IV site:

Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort at the IV site. This action may be appropriate if there are signs of local inflammation or mild irritation at the insertion site.

C. Elevate the extremity on a pillow:

Elevating the extremity can help reduce swelling and promote venous return. This action is beneficial if there is edema or localized swelling above the IV site.

D. Flush the catheter with normal saline:

Flushing the catheter with normal saline is not typically the initial action in response to edema and tenderness above the IV site. Flushing is more commonly performed to ensure patency and proper functioning of the IV catheter.

A. There is no redness, warmth, or drainage at the insertion site.

This assessment is crucial for evaluating the status of the abdominal drain site. The absence of redness, warmth, or drainage suggests that the insertion site is healing well without signs of infection or inflammation. It indicates that the drain is functioning properly and that there are no immediate complications related to the drain insertion. This assessment directly addresses the goals related to monitoring the drain site for signs of infection or dysfunction.

B. Drainage from the surgical site is 30 mL less than yesterday.

Monitoring the drainage output from the surgical site is important to assess for changes in drainage patterns. A decrease in drainage volume may indicate reduced fluid accumulation at the surgical site, potentially reflecting improved healing and decreased need for drainage. However, while this assessment is valuable, it is not as directly related to assessing the status of the drain itself or evaluating complications at the insertion site as option A.

C. The patient reports adequate pain control with medications.

Pain control is an essential aspect of postoperative care, but it is not specifically related to assessing the functionality or complications of the abdominal drain. While pain management is important for patient comfort and recovery, it does not directly address the goals related to monitoring the drain site for signs of infection, leakage, or other complications.

D. Urine is clear yellow, and urine output is greater than 40 mL/hr.

While monitoring urine output and characteristics is important for assessing renal function and hydration status, it is not directly related to assessing the abdominal drain or its complications. Clear yellow urine and adequate urine output are generally positive indicators but do not provide specific information about the functionality or status of the drain.