After traveling to a country with a tropical climate, a young adult is diagnosed with a liver abscess and is taking antimicrobial therapy as an outpatient.
During a follow-up visit at the community clinic, the nurse observes that the patient has developed jaundice.
Which action should the nurse take?

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.

Choice A rationale

While advising family members to monitor for symptoms of illness is important, it’s not the most crucial action for the nurse to take immediately after testing the patient for COVID-194.

Choice B rationale

Implementing droplet precautions, placing the patient in a private room, and keeping the door closed is the most crucial action. This helps prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to other patients and healthcare workers.

Choice C rationale

Informing the patient to notify others about potential exposure is important, but it’s not the most crucial action immediately after testing.

Choice D rationale

Initiating an IV infusion for the administration of an antiviral drug is not the most crucial action. Antiviral medication is typically administered after a positive test result, not before.