What is the primary cause of death in patients with severe burns?

CAUTI

Sepsis

CLABSI

VAP

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Rationale:
A. CAUTI (Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection) is incorrect because, although burn patients often require indwelling urinary catheters for strict intake and output monitoring, CAUTIs are typically localized infections. They are rarely the direct cause of death and do not account for the high mortality seen in patients with severe burns.

B. Sepsis is correct because it is the leading cause of death in patients with severe burns. Burn injuries destroy the skin, which is the body’s primary barrier against infection. This allows bacteria to easily enter the bloodstream. Additionally, burn patients experience immune system suppression and a massive inflammatory response, increasing the risk of systemic infection, septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction, and death.

C. CLABSI (Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection) is incorrect because, while central lines are commonly used in burn patients and can lead to bloodstream infections, CLABSIs represent only one possible source of infection. They are not the most common overall cause of death compared with widespread sepsis from burn wounds.

D. VAP (Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia) is incorrect because some burn patients require mechanical ventilation, especially those with inhalation injuries. Although VAP is a serious complication, it is less common than sepsis as the primary cause of mortality in severe burn patients.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Protecting the patient from infection is correct because patients with immunodeficiency have a compromised immune system, making them highly susceptible to infections, which are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. Priority nursing interventions include strict hand hygiene, use of protective equipment, infection control precautions, and minimizing exposure to pathogens. Preventing infection takes precedence over psychosocial or educational interventions because it addresses an immediate, life-threatening risk.

B. Encouraging discussion about lifestyle changes is important for long-term health promotion but is not the immediate priority. While lifestyle modifications (nutrition, sleep, stress management) can support immune function, they do not address the urgent threat of infection.

C. Identifying factors that decreased the immune function is part of the assessment and overall plan but is secondary to protecting the patient from immediate harm. Recognition of contributing factors helps guide care, but interventions to prevent infection take precedence.

D. Providing emotional support to decrease fear is important for holistic care and patient well-being, but it is not the priority over physical safety. Emotional support should be provided alongside but after implementing measures to prevent infection.

A. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L B. Sodium 140 mEq/L C. Creatinine 1.0 mg/dl D. Lactate 6 mmol/L

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L is incorrect because this value is within the normal reference range of 3.5–5.0 mEq/L. While potassium should continue to be monitored—especially in critically ill patients due to risks of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia from fluid shifts or medications—this reading does not indicate an immediate complication or urgent need for intervention.

B. Sodium 140 mEq/L is incorrect because it falls within the normal serum sodium range of 135–145 mEq/L. This value suggests that the recent fluid administration has not caused significant electrolyte imbalance, and no immediate action is required.

C. Creatinine 1.0 mg/dl is incorrect because this is within the normal range (approximately 0.6–1.3 mg/dL) and does not indicate acute kidney injury at this time. While renal function must be monitored in septic patients due to the risk of acute kidney injury from hypoperfusion, this value alone is not alarming.

D. Lactate 6 mmol/L is correct because an elevated lactate level in a patient with severe sepsis is a critical indicator of tissue hypoperfusion, anaerobic metabolism, and possibly septic shock, even after aggressive fluid resuscitation. Normal lactate levels are <2 mmol/L, and levels >4 mmol/L are associated with high mortality risk.

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What is the primary cause of death in patients with severe burns?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is planning care for a patient with a diagnosis of immunodeficiency and should incorporate which action as a priority in the plan?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse has just completed an infusion of a 1000 ml bolus of 0.9% normal saline in a patient with severe sepsis. One hour later, which laboratory result requires immediate nursing action?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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