Burn injuries increase an individual's risk of infection due to:
Increased oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Decreased body temperature.
Increased production of white blood cells.
Loss of the protective skin barrier.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Increased oxygen delivery to the tissues is incorrect because increased oxygen delivery does not inherently increase infection risk; in fact, adequate tissue oxygenation can support immune function and healing.
B. Decreased body temperature is incorrect because while severe burns may cause thermoregulatory issues, hypothermia itself is not the primary reason for increased infection risk. Infection is more directly related to the loss of skin integrity.
C. Increased production of white blood cells is incorrect because leukocytosis (increased white blood cells) occurs as part of the inflammatory response, but it does not prevent infection. Even with elevated WBC counts, the body is more vulnerable if the skin barrier is compromised.
D. Loss of the protective skin barrier is correct because the skin is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. Burns destroy this barrier, leaving underlying tissues exposed to bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This makes burn patients highly susceptible to local wound infections, sepsis, and systemic infections. Proper wound care, aseptic techniques, and sometimes prophylactic antibiotics are critical in managing this risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Melasma is incorrect because melasma is characterized by dark, hyperpigmented patches on the skin, usually on the face, due to increased melanin production. It is often related to hormonal changes or sun exposure and does not involve a lack of pigmentation or white hair.
B. Vitiligo is incorrect because vitiligo involves patchy loss of skin pigmentation due to autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. Hair may be affected locally in the depigmented patches, but the condition does not typically result in generalized white hair or the reduced eye pigmentation seen in albinism.
C. Albinism is correct because it is a genetic condition characterized by a congenital lack of melanin, resulting in very light or white skin, white or very light hair, and reduced or absent pigmentation in the eyes. This lack of melanin also increases sensitivity to UV radiation and can affect vision.
D. Psoriasis is incorrect because psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes red, scaly, and inflamed patches of skin. It does not affect hair color or eye pigmentation and is unrelated to melanin production.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Development of an odd-shaped lesion or new mole is correct because new or unusually shaped lesions can indicate abnormal cell growth. The appearance of a mole that differs from existing moles (the “ugly duckling” sign) is a warning sign of potential skin cancer.
B. A lesion that does not heal is correct because non-healing sores, ulcers, or lesions can indicate skin malignancy, particularly squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. Persistent lesions should be evaluated promptly.
C. A change in the shape, color, or size of a mole is correct because changes in a mole are part of the ABCDE warning signs of melanoma. Rapid changes or irregular features are concerning for malignancy.
D. Freckles that darken slightly with sun exposure is incorrect because normal freckles darken with UV exposure but are not considered warning signs. This is a physiologic response to sunlight, not indicative of cancer.
E. Skin lesions that repeatedly bleed is correct because recurrent bleeding, especially from a mole, lesion, or sore, is a classic warning sign of malignant transformation. Bleeding often occurs due to fragile, abnormal blood vessels within the lesion.
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