When caring for a client with full-thickness burns to both lower extremities, which assessment finding(s) warrant immediate intervention by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
Sloughing tissue around wound edges.
Change in the quality of the peripheral pulses.
Weeping serosanguineous fluid from wounds.
Loss of sensation to the left lower extremity.
Complaint of increased pain and pressure.
Correct Answer : B,D,E
These findings suggest potential complications and compromise to the client's circulation and nerve function, which require immediate attention.
Changes in the quality of peripheral pulses indicate alterations in blood flow and may suggest vascular compromise or decreased perfusion to the affected areas. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage and ensure adequate blood supply to the extremities.
Loss of sensation to the left lower extremity can be indicative of nerve injury or impaired peripheral nerve function. It is important to assess for nerve damage and address it promptly to prevent complications and maximize the client's recovery.
Complaints of increased pain and pressure are concerning because they may indicate the development of compartment syndrome, a serious complication in which pressure within the muscles and tissues builds up to dangerous levels. Prompt intervention is necessary to relieve the pressure and prevent tissue damage.
While sloughing tissue around wound edges and weeping serosanguineous fluid from wounds are important assessment findings in the context of burn care, they do not require immediate intervention compared to the findings mentioned above. These findings should still be addressed and managed appropriately, but they are not considered immediate emergencies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Hypoxic-ischemic injury from submersion can lead to delayed cerebral edema. Monitoring is critical as the brain's inflammatory response to the initial insult often peaks several hours after the event.
Choice B rationale: Asphyxia is the initial event that occurred in the pool. By the time the child is admitted to the pediatric floor, the asphyxiation event has passed; the nurse now monitors for its aftereffects.
Choice C rationale: Near-drowning victims are more likely to experience hypotension due to myocardial depression or shifting fluid balances. Hypertension is not a typical expected complication in the immediate post-submersion recovery period.
Choice D rationale: Aspiration of water interferes with surfactant production and damages alveolar membranes, leading to pulmonary edema or ARDS. Respiratory status can deteriorate rapidly 6 to 8 hours after the initial insult.
Choice E rationale: The child was in cool water with an outdoor temperature of 64°F, making hypothermia the primary concern. Hyperthermia is not expected unless a secondary infection or a thermregulation failure occurs much later.
Choice F rationale: The head CT scan was negative for bleeding. Without a significant traumatic impact or pre-existing condition, a subdural hemorrhage is not a standard complication resulting from a submersion injury.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- While providing comfort measures like blankets and warm drinks can help the client feel more comfortable, they do not address the underlying thyroid hormone imbalance.
B) Incorrect- Hemoglobin level is not directly related to the client's symptoms or the thyroid hormone imbalance. Monitoring hemoglobin is important in assessing anemia but is not the priority in this case.
C) Correct- The client's symptoms (raspy voice, cold intolerance, fatigue) along with an elevated TSH and low T3 and T4 levels suggest hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. Administering the prescribed dose of levothyroxine is crucial to address the thyroid hormone imbalance and alleviate the symptoms.
D. Incorrect- Non-pitting edema is not a common symptom of hypothyroidism. The client's symptoms and lab results are more indicative of hypothyroidism, and addressing the thyroid hormone imbalance is the priority.
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