The practical nurse (PN) is reviewing a client's recent ophthalmic screening test results. Findings of optic neuropathy, loss of peripheral vision, and increased intraocular pressure are consistent with which medical condition?

The correct answer is Choice D

Choice A: Excruciating pain

• Rationale: While partial thickness burns can be painful, especially in the first few days, excruciating pain is less likely for a stable patient 3 days post-burn. Pain management is a crucial aspect of burn care, but excruciating pain might indicate deeper burns or complications like infection.

Choice B: Elevated blood pressure

• Rationale: Elevated blood pressure is not a typical complication of a partial thickness burn. In fact, burn patients are more at risk for hypotension (low blood pressure) due to fluid loss.

Choice C: Compartment syndrome

• Rationale: Compartment syndrome is a serious complication that typically occurs with deep burns or traumatic injuries. It's caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, restricting blood flow and potentially leading to tissue death. While a possibility, it's less likely for a partial thickness burn 3 days after the injury.

Choice D: Curling's Ulcer

• Rationale: Curling's ulcer is a peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer) that can develop as a complication of major burns. This is because burns trigger a massive inflammatory response, releasing stress hormones that increase stomach acid production, making the stomach lining more susceptible to ulcers. Given the extensive burn area (30% TBSA) and the timeframe (3 days post-burn), Curling's ulcer becomes a significant concern.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Choice D: Curling's Ulcer

Explanation:

• A 30% TBSA partial thickness burn is a significant injury that triggers a systemic inflammatory response.
• Three days post-burn falls within the timeframe when Curling's ulcer can develop due to the increased stress hormones and gastric acid production.
• While pain management and monitoring for compartment syndrome are important, Curling's ulcer poses a more significant threat in this scenario.

The correct answer is C. Oriented to person only.

Choice A rationale:

A blood pressure of 144/84 mmHg is slightly elevated but not critically high. While it is important to monitor, it does not immediately impact the instructions for morning care.

Choice B rationale:

An oxygen saturation measurement of 95 to 96% is within the normal range and indicates adequate oxygenation. This is important to monitor but does not require specific changes to morning care instructions.

Choice C rationale:

Being oriented to person only indicates a significant alteration in the client’s cognitive status, which is crucial for the UAP to be aware of. This affects the client’s ability to understand and follow instructions, and may require additional supervision and safety measures during care.

Choice D rationale:

A urinary output of 50 mL/hour is within the normal range (typically 30-50 mL/hour is considered adequate). While it is important to monitor, it does not necessitate immediate changes to morning care instructions.

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