The practical nurse (PN) is told that she keeps her 2-year-old child in a playpen so he will not get dirty. Which statement should the PN use in responding to this concern about using a playpen?

This is the most important complication for the practical nurse (PN) to anticipate because it is a common and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in clients with severe burns. Curling's ulcer, also known as stress ulcer, is a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the stomach or duodenum as a result of stress, shock, trauma, or burns. It is caused by decreased blood flow and increased acid secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, which damages the mucosal lining and leads to ulceration and bleeding.

The PN should anticipate Curling's ulcer in a client who experienced partial-thickness burns over 30% of the body surface area (BSA) 3 days ago, as this is a major risk factor for developing stress ulcers. The PN should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of Curling's ulcer, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, melena, and anemia. The PN should also administer prophylactic medications such as antacids, histamine-2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors as prescribed by the health care provider.

The finding that is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse is the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 75 mg/dL or 12.9 mmol/L. This result indicates an elevated BUN level, which can be indicative of impaired kidney function. In a client receiving chemotherapy, an elevated BUN level may suggest chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity or other kidney-related complications. Prompt reporting is crucial to ensure appropriate intervention and management of the client's kidney function.
B. While the platelet count of 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 109/L is slightly below the normal reference range, it does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk. However, it should still be monitored and reported to the healthcare team for ongoing assessment and evaluation.
C. Decreased deep tendon reflexes may be an expected side effect of certain chemotherapy medications or a manifestation of neurotoxicity. While this finding should be documented and monitored, it is not as urgent as the elevated BUN level.
D. Periodic nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they may also be indicative of other underlying issues such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or gastrointestinal complications. While this finding should be addressed and managed, it is not the highest priority compared to the elevated BUN level.