A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with Hodgkin disease who has significant cervical lymph node enlargement.

Which symptom should the nurse address first?

Choice A rationale
Cooling the burn with ice water is not recommended for a client with severe burns. Ice water can cause hypothermia and further damage the skin.
Choice B rationale
Administering opioid analgesics is a key intervention for a client with severe burns. Pain management is a critical aspect of burn care.
Choice C rationale
Administering systemic antibiotics is often necessary for a client with severe burns. Burn injuries can compromise the skin’s protective barrier, making the client susceptible to infections.
Choice D rationale
Administering benzodiazepines for anxiety management can be beneficial for a client with severe burns. The experience of having a severe burn and undergoing treatment can be extremely stressful.
Choice E rationale
Positioning the head of the bed flat is not typically recommended for a client with severe burns. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce swelling and improve respiratory function. Septic shockSeptic shock Explore

Choice A rationale
A 33-year-old with burns to the back and shoulders. While this patient’s injuries are serious, they are not immediately life-threatening. The back and shoulders are not vital areas, and while pain management and wound care will be necessary, this patient’s situation is not as urgent as others.
Choice B rationale
A 32-year-old with burns on the hands and face. This patient should be attended to first. Burns on the hands and face are more serious due to the high risk of infection and the potential for complications such as impaired breathing if the airway swells or becomes blocked due to the burns. Immediate treatment can help to prevent these complications.
Choice C rationale
A 42-year-old with burns on both legs. While these burns are serious, they are not immediately life-threatening. The patient will need pain management and wound care, and may have mobility issues, but their vital organs are not directly impacted by the burns.
Choice D rationale
A 25-year-old with a burn on the left arm. This patient, while in need of treatment, is not the highest priority. A burn on the arm, while painful and requiring treatment, is not as potentially serious or life-threatening as burns to the face, hands, or major portions of the body.