A patient has been rescued from a house fire and admitted to the burn unit with deep dermal, partial thickness (second degree) burns over approximately one-third of the back and upper thighs.
The nurse begins administration of prescribed crystalloid fluids for the first 24-hours following the burn incident.
What physiological response is promoted by the administration of the fluids?

Fluid resuscitation due to capillary leaking.

Restoration of electrolyte balance.

Replacement of insensible water loss.

Extension of plasma until blood is available.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

The administration of crystalloid fluids in the first 24 hours following a burn incident promotes fluid resuscitation due to capillary leaking. In the aftermath of a burn, there is a disruption of the normal fluid balance in the body, leading to increased capillary permeability and fluid shifts. This can result in a condition known as burn shock, characterized by decreased blood volume and inadequate tissue perfusion. The administration of crystalloid fluids helps to restore intravascular volume, improve tissue perfusion, and prevent burn shock. It also minimizes burn wound conversion and reduces the incidences of post-burn renal failure, life-threatening electrolyte disturbances, and mortality.

Choice B rationale

While restoration of electrolyte balance is an important aspect of burn management, it is not the primary physiological response promoted by the administration of crystalloid fluids in the immediate aftermath of a burn. Electrolyte imbalances in burn patients are usually a result of the systemic inflammatory response, fluid shifts, and renal dysfunction that can occur after a burn. These imbalances are typically managed through careful monitoring and specific electrolyte replacement therapies, rather than through the initial administration of crystalloid fluids.

Choice C rationale

Replacement of insensible water loss is another important aspect of burn management, but it is not the primary physiological response promoted by the administration of crystalloid fluids in the immediate aftermath of a burn. Insensible water loss occurs through evaporation from the burn wound surface and can be significant in burn patients. However, this is typically managed through the maintenance of a humidified environment and specific fluid replacement strategies, rather than through the initial administration of crystalloid fluids.

Choice D rationale

Extension of plasma until blood is available is not the primary physiological response promoted by the administration of crystalloid fluids in the immediate aftermath of a burn. While blood products may be required in the management of severe burns, particularly if there is significant blood loss or hemodynamic instability, the initial focus of fluid resuscitation in burn patients is on the administration of crystalloid solutions to restore intravascular volume and improve tissue perfusion.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Uterine atony refers to a condition where the uterus fails to contract sufficiently during and after childbirth. This lack of contraction can lead to excessive bleeding, also known as postpartum hemorrhage. This is because the contractions of the uterus after delivery help to compress the blood vessels and prevent bleeding. Therefore, uterine atony can cause a patient to hemorrhage.

Choice B rationale

Wound dehiscence refers to a surgical complication where an incision reopens either internally or externally. It can cause pain, infection, and organ protrusion. However, it is not directly associated with hemorrhaging.

Choice C rationale

Infection refers to the invasion of tissues by pathogens, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agent and the toxins they produce. While severe infections can lead to sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation, which can cause bleeding, they do not directly cause hemorrhaging.

Choice D rationale

Hemorrhage is a symptom, not a condition. It refers to excessive bleeding which can occur due to various conditions, including uterine atony.

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C"}

Explanation

Based on the client’s history and physical, the nurse notes that this postpartum client is most at risk for developingC. Postpartum hemorrhage.

The client’s laboratory results show a decrease in red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit, and hemoglobin levels, which are all signs of blood loss. Additionally, the nurse’s notes mention moderate lochia rubra with small clots, which could be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. The firm fundus at the umbilicus is a good sign, but the blood loss output and decreased blood values indicate that the client is at risk for postpartum hemorrhage.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse has reviewed the patient’s chart.The nurse recognizes that this patient is hemorrhaging due to which condition?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C"}

Explanation

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