A patient with suspected inhalation injury has hoarseness and singed nasal hair. What is the nurse's first action?

Apply antibiotic ointment to nares

Prepare for early intubation

Administer antibiotics

Initiate inhalation treatments

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Apply antibiotic ointment to nares: Topical antibiotic application does not address airway compromise. Inhalation injuries can rapidly progress to airway obstruction due to edema, and ointment use does not prevent this complication.

B. Prepare for early intubation: Hoarseness and singed nasal hair indicate thermal injury to the upper airway and risk of progressive edema. Early intubation is critical to secure the airway before swelling makes intubation difficult or impossible, preventing respiratory failure. Prompt airway management is the highest priority.

C. Administer antibiotics: Antibiotics are not indicated for thermal airway injury unless there is evidence of infection. They do not prevent airway obstruction or address the acute threat of hypoxia in inhalation injury.

D. Initiate inhalation treatments: Inhalation therapies such as bronchodilators may relieve bronchospasm but do not secure a compromised airway. They are supportive interventions and do not replace the urgent need for airway protection in the setting of upper airway edema.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Keep the patient in a low flat position to improve perfusion to the brain: Positioning the patient flat can increase intracranial pressure by reducing venous drainage from the brain. The head of the bed is typically elevated 30 degrees to facilitate venous return and maintain cerebral perfusion without increasing ICP.

B. Allow the patient to move around in bed to prevent muscle stiffness: Uncontrolled movement or frequent repositioning can increase ICP by stimulating the patient and causing straining or Valsalva maneuvers. Careful, minimal movement is preferred to prevent spikes in intracranial pressure while still addressing the need for mobility safely.

C. Administer sedatives as ordered to reduce agitation and prevent straining: Sedatives help reduce agitation, anxiety, and pain, which can elevate ICP through increased sympathetic stimulation and physical straining. Controlled sedation facilitates patient comfort, minimizes metabolic demands, and helps maintain ICP within safe limits.

D. Encourage the patient to cough and sneeze to clear respiratory secretions: Coughing and sneezing increase intrathoracic pressure, which impedes venous return from the brain and temporarily raises ICP. These activities should be minimized or performed cautiously with support to avoid abrupt increases in intracranial pressure.

A. Low protein, low carb B. High protein, high calorie C. High carb, low protein D. Low sodium, low protein

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Low protein, low carb: A diet low in protein and carbohydrates does not meet the increased metabolic demands of burn patients. Protein is essential for tissue repair and immune function, while carbohydrates provide energy to prevent catabolism of lean body mass.

B. High protein, high calorie: Burn patients have hypermetabolic states that significantly increase energy and protein requirements. High-protein intake supports collagen synthesis, wound repair, and immune function, while high-calorie intake prevents muscle breakdown and provides sufficient energy for the healing process.

C. High carb, low protein: While carbohydrates provide energy, inadequate protein intake impairs wound healing and tissue regeneration. A diet emphasizing carbohydrates without sufficient protein does not support the critical anabolic processes needed for burn recovery.

D. Low sodium, low protein: Restricting protein in burn patients delays wound healing and compromises immune response. Sodium restriction may be indicated in certain fluid balance scenarios but is not a priority for promoting tissue repair. Adequate protein and caloric intake remain the primary nutritional focus.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A patient with suspected inhalation injury has hoarseness and singed nasal hair. What is the nurse's first action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a patient with a head injury and increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to help prevent an increase in ICP?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A burn patient is placed on enteral feeding. Which diet is most appropriate for promoting wound healing?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient with acute kidney injury. The nurse would expect that IV regular insulin and glucose, sodium bicarbonate, and IV calcium gluconate will be used to treat what complication of acute kidney injury?

A patient with facial burns suddenly becomes restless with stridor. What is the nurse's priority action?

A nurse is caring for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The patient's most recent ICP reading is 22 mmHg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take immediately?

A patient has returned to the medical surgical unit after receiving peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse implement to prevent peritonitis?

A patient presents to the emergency department after a fall. The nurse notes raccoon eyes and rhinorrhea. The healthcare provider suspects a skull fracture. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate?

A patient with newly diagnosed ITP is admitted with petechiae and ecchymoses. Which action should the nurse take first?

A patient who has been receiving a heparin infusion is diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The nurse will anticipate which health care provider orders?

During prehospital care, what is the nurse's priority action for a burn victim?