burns new nclex

The nurse is teaching a client who is preparing for discharge from the hospital after having a stroke about prevention of pressure ulcers while the client has limited mobility. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

2."I can sit in my favorite chair all day."

Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy is prescribed as a component of the treatment plan for a client with psoriasis, and the nurse provides instructions to the client regarding the treatment. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?

2."The UV light treatments are given on consecutive days." UV light treatments are limited to 2 or 3 times a week and are not given on consecutive days. Safety precautions are required during UV light therapy. It is best to expose only those areas requiring treatment to the UV light. Protective wraparound goggles prevent exposure of the eyes to UV light. The face should be shielded with a loosely applied pillowcase if it is unaffected. Direct contact with the lightbulbs of the treatment unit should be avoided to prevent burning of the skin.

A client is being admitted to the hospital for treatment of acute cellulitis of the lower left leg. During the admission assessment, the nurse expects to note which finding?

2.A skin infection of the dermis and underlying hypodermis Cellulitis is an infection of the dermis and underlying hypodermis that results in a deep red erythema without sharp borders and spreads widely throughout tissue spaces. The skin is erythematous, edematous, tender, and sometimes nodular. Erysipelas is an acute, superficial, rapidly spreading inflammation of the dermis and lymphatics. The infection is not superficial and extends deeper than the epidermis.

The nurse is providing instructions regarding skin care to a client after removal of a leg cast. The nurse should instruct the client to take which measure?

2.Apply an emollient lotion to the skin to enhance softening. The skin under a casted area may be discolored and crusted with dead skin layers. The client should gently soak and wash the skin for the first few days; however, soaking for 1 hour 6 times daily is excessive and could lead to skin breakdown. The skin should not be scrubbed vigorously because this action also could lead to skin breakdown. The skin should be patted dry, and a lubricating lotion should be applied. The client should avoid overexposing the skin to the sunlight.

The nurse is evaluating fluid resuscitation attempts in the burn client. Which finding indicates adequate fluid resuscitation?

2.Heart rate of 95 beats/minute When fluid resuscitation is adequate, the heart rate should be less than 120 beats/minute, as indicated in option 2. In addition, adequacy of fluid volume resuscitation can be evaluated by determining if urine output is at least 30 mL/hour, peripheral pulses are +2 or better, and the client is oriented to client, place, and time.

The clinic nurse notes that the primary health care provider has documented a diagnosis of herpes zoster (shingles) in the client's chart. Based on an understanding of the cause of this disorder, the nurse determines that this definitive diagnosis was made by which diagnostic test?

2.Positive culture results

The clinic nurse notes that the primary health care provider has documented a diagnosis of herpes zoster (shingles) in the client's chart. Based on an understanding of the cause of this disorder, the nurse determines that this definitive diagnosis was made by which diagnostic test?

2.Positive culture results With the classic presentation of herpes zoster, the clinical examination is diagnostic. However, a viral culture of the lesion provides the definitive diagnosis. Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. A patch test is a skin test that involves the administration of an allergen to the surface of the skin to identify specific allergies. A biopsy would provide a cytological examination of tissue. In a Wood's light examination, the skin is viewed under ultraviolet light to identify superficial infections of the skin.

The nurse has been working with the client diagnosed with candidiasis (thrush). What should the nurse assess for in this client?

2.The presence of white patches Assessment of the client with candidiasis (thrush) will reveal white patches on the tongue, palate, and buccal mucosa. The lesions adhere firmly to the tissues and are difficult to remove. The lesions often are referred to as "milk curds" because of their appearance. Clients often describe the lesions as dry and hot. Options 1, 3, and 4 are not characteristics of thrush.

The nurse is administering fluids intravenously as prescribed to a client who sustained superficial partial-thickness burn injuries of the back and legs. In evaluating the adequacy of fluid resuscitation, the nurse understands that which assessment would provide the most reliable indicator for determining the adequacy?

2.Urine output

The nurse has provided home care instructions to a client after dermabrasion. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?

3."I need to keep my skin dry to allow it to heal."

The nurse is providing home care instructions to a client after rhinoplasty. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?

3."I should be sure to run a dehumidifier in my home."

A client calls the emergency department and tells the nurse that he came directly into contact with poison ivy shrubs. The client tells the nurse that he cannot see anything on the skin and asks the nurse what to do. The nurse should make which response?

3."Take a shower immediately, lathering and rinsing several times." When an individual comes in contact with a poison ivy plant, the sap from the plant forms an invisible film on the human skin. The client should be instructed to cleanse the area by showering immediately and to lather the skin several times and rinse each time in running water. Removing the poison ivy sap will decrease the likelihood of irritation. Calamine lotion may be one product recommended for use if dermatitis develops. The client does not need to be seen in the emergency department at this time.

The home care nurse visits an older client who was discharged from the hospital after diagnostic testing. The client complains of chronic dry skin and episodes of pruritus. Which measure should the nurse recommend for the client to alleviate this discomfort?

3.Apply emollients to the skin after bathing.

An older client's physical examination reveals the presence of a fiery star-shaped marking with a circular, solid center. The nurse recognizes that these findings, which are caused by capillary radiations extending from the central arterial body, are representative of which lesions?

3.Spider angioma Spider angiomas have a bright red center with legs that radiate outward. Spider angiomas are commonly seen in liver disease and vitamin B deficiency, although they occasionally can occur without underlying pathology. Purpura results from hemorrhage into the skin. A venous star results from increased pressure in veins, usually in the lower legs, and has an irregularly shaped bluish center with radiating branches. Cherry angioma occurs with increasing age and has no clinical significance. It appears as a small, round, bright red lesion on the trunk or extremities.

A burn client has been having 1% silver sulfadiazine applied to burns twice a day for the past 3 days. Which laboratory abnormality indicates that the client is experiencing a side or adverse effect of this medication?

3.White blood cell count of 3000 mm3 (3 × 109/L) Transient leukopenia typically occurs after 2 to 3 days of treatment. Knowing this and knowing normal white blood cell values will direct you to option 3. Although options 1, 2, and 4 are abnormal findings, they are not associated with this medication.

When assessing a lesion diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma, the nurse most likely expects to note which findings? Select all that apply.

4,5 Basal cell carcinoma appears as a pearly papule with a central crater and rolled waxy border. Exposure to ultraviolet sunlight is a major risk factor. A melanoma is an irregularly shaped pigmented papule or plaque with a red-, white-, or blue-toned color. Actinic keratosis, a premalignant lesion, appears as a small macule or papule with a dry, rough, adherent yellow or brown scale. Squamous cell carcinoma is a firm, nodular lesion topped with a crust or a central area of ulceration.

Collagenase is prescribed for a client with a severe burn to the hand. The home care nurse provides instructions to the client regarding the use of the medication. Which client statement indicates an accurate understanding of the use of this medication?

4."I will apply the ointment once a day and cover it with a sterile dressing."

The nurse provides home care instructions to a client diagnosed with impetigo. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further instruction?

4."It is not necessary to separate my linens and towels from those of other household members."

Silver sulfadiazine is prescribed for a client with a partial-thickness burn, and the nurse provides teaching about the medication. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching about the treatments?

4."The medication is likely to cause stinging every time it is applied."

The nurse is providing instructions to a client with psoriasis who will be receiving ultraviolet (UV) light therapy. Which statement would be most appropriate for the nurse to include in the client's instructions

4."You will need to wear dark eye goggles during the treatment." Safety precautions are required during UV light therapy. Protective dark eye goggles are required to prevent exposure of the eyes to the UV light; it may be necessary to wear the goggles for the remainder of the day following treatment. The face also is shielded with a loosely applied cloth if it is unaffected by the psoriasis. Most UV light therapies require the client to stand in a light treatment chamber for up to a maximum of 15 minutes. The client will not wear clothing on the body parts to be exposed and will expose only those areas requiring treatment to the UV light. Direct contact with the lightbulbs used for the treatment should be avoided to prevent burning of the skin.

In planning care for the client with psoriasis, the nurse understands that which represents a priority client problem?

4.Altered body image Psoriasis is an autoimmune dermatitis that is expressed as silvery scales on reddish-colored skin on areas such as scalp, elbows, hands, and knees. Onset of the disease generally occurs before age 40, with symptoms varying in intensity from mild to severe. Skin disorders, particularly when experienced by young persons and particularly when visible on exposed body parts, can cause significant psychosocial distress. Altered body image is a priority client problem that should be considered when planning care for a client with psoriasis. The remaining options are not priority client problems associated with psoriasis.

A client is experiencing chronic pruritus. To promote hydration of the skin, the nurse should tell the client to take which measure?

4.Avoid bathing in the shower or tub more than once daily.

A client complains of chronic pruritus. Which diagnosis should the nurse expect to note documented in the client's medical record that would support this client's complaint?

4.Chronic kidney disease Clients with chronic kidney disease often have pruritus, or itchy skin. This is because of impaired clearance of waste products by the kidneys. The client who is markedly anemic is likely to have pale skin. Hypothyroidism may lead to complaints of dry skin. Clients with diabetes mellitus are at risk for skin infections and skin breakdown.

The nurse is caring for a client who sustained superficial partial-thickness burns on the anterior lower legs and anterior thorax. Which finding does the nurse expect to note during the resuscitation/emergent phase of the burn injury?

4.Elevated hematocrit levels The resuscitation/emergent phase begins at the time of injury and ends with the restoration of capillary permeability, usually at 48 to 72 hours following the injury. During the resuscitation/emergent phase, the hematocrit level increases to above normal because of hemoconcentration from the large fluid shifts. Hematocrit levels of 50% to 55% (0.50 to 0.55) are expected during the first 24 hours after injury, with return to normal by 36 hours after injury. Initially, blood is shunted away from the kidneys and renal perfusion and glomerular filtration are decreased, resulting in low urine output. The burn client is prone to hypovolemia, and the body attempts to compensate by increased pulse rate and lowered blood pressure. Pulse rates are typically higher than normal, and the blood pressure is decreased as a result of the large fluid shifts.

Mafenide acetate is prescribed for a client with a burn injury to the hand. Which should the nurse include in the instructions to the client regarding the use of this medication?

4.It is normal to experience local discomfort and stinging and burning after the medication is applied.

A client who is being evaluated for thermal burn injuries to the arms and legs complains of thirst and asks the nurse for a drink. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

4.Keep the client on NPO (nothing by mouth) status.

The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. How should the nurse assess for the presence of Nikolsky's sign?

4.Note skin blistering and sloughing with finger pressure. Nikolsky's sign, epidermal blistering and sloughing precipitated by lateral finger pressure, commonly is present in pemphigus vulgaris. Option 3 identifies an assessment technique to determine the presence of a Candida infection in the mouth. Draining blisters are not characteristic of this disorder. Although a foul odor may be noted from the skin of a client with this disorder, this characteristic is not related to Nikolsky's sign.

The staff nurse reviews the nursing documentation in a client's chart and notes that the wound care nurse has documented that the client has a stage II pressure injury in the sacral area. Which finding would the nurse expect to note on assessment of the client's sacral area?

4.Partial-thickness skin loss of the dermis

A client has sustained a superficial skin tear to the arm. The nurse should apply which dressing as the best type of bandage for this wound

4.Semipermeable film dressing

Which information should the nurse include while providing education for a client scheduled for a rhinoplasty?

4.The nasal bone is fractured, and the cartilage and bone are remolded into the desired shape

The nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the burn unit after sustaining a burn injury covering 30% of the body. What is the most appropriate time frame for the emergent phase?

4.The period from the time the burn was incurred to the time when the client is considered physiologically stable The emergent phase of burn care generally extends from the time the burn injury is incurred until the time when the client is considered physiologically stable. The acute phase lasts until all full-thickness burns are covered with skin. The rehabilitation period lasts approximately 5 years for an adult and includes reintegration into society.

Silver sulfadiazine is prescribed for a client with a burn injury. Which laboratory finding requires the need for follow-up by the nurse?

4.White blood cell count of 3000 mm3 (3.0 × 109/L)

Silver sulfadiazine is prescribed for a client with a burn injury. Which laboratory finding requires the need for follow-up by the nurse?

4.White blood cell count of 3000 mm3 (3.0 × 109/L) Silver sulfadiazine is used for the treatment of burn injuries. Adverse effects of this medication include rash and itching, blue-green or gray skin discoloration, leukopenia, and interstitial nephritis. The nurse should monitor a complete blood count, particularly the white blood cells, frequently for the client taking this medication. If leukopenia develops, the primary health care provider is notified and the medication is usually discontinued. The white blood cell count noted in option 4 is indicative of leukopenia. The other laboratory values are not specific to this medication and are also within normal limits.

An adult client trapped in a burning house has suffered burns to the back of the head, the upper half of the posterior trunk, and the back of both arms. Using the rule of nines, what percentage does the nurse determine the extent of the burn injury to be? Fill in the blank.

According to the rule of nines, the posterior side of the head equals 4.5%, the back of both arms equals 9%, and the upper half of the posterior trunk equals 9%, totaling 22.5%.

A client sustains a burn injury to the entire right and left arms, the right leg, and the anterior thorax. According to the rule of nines, the nurse would assess that this injury constitutes which body percentage? Fill in the blank.

According to the rule of nines, the right arm is equal to 9% and the left arm is equal to 9%. The right leg is equal to 18% and the left leg is equal to 18%. The anterior thorax is equal to 18% and the posterior thorax is equal to 18%. The head is equal to 9% and the perineum is equal to 1%. If the anterior thorax, the right leg, and the right and left arms were burned, according to the rule of nines, the total area involved would be 54%.

The nurse prepares to care for a client with acute cellulitis of the lower leg. The nurse anticipates that which interventions will be prescribed for the client? Select all that apply.

1,3

An adult client with a burn injury just arrived at the emergency department. Place the nursing actions in the care of this client in order of priority. All options must be used.

1,3,2,6,4,5 The primary goals for a burn injury are to maintain a patent airway, administer IV fluids to prevent hypovolemic shock, and preserve vital organ functioning. Therefore, the priority actions are to assess for airway patency and to maintain a patent airway. The nurse then prepares to administer oxygen. The type of oxygen delivery system is prescribed by the primary health care provider. Oxygen is necessary to perfuse tissues and organs. Vital signs should be assessed so that a baseline is obtained, which is needed for comparison of subsequent vital signs once fluid resuscitation is initiated. The nurse then initiates an IV line and begins fluid replacement as prescribed. The extremities are elevated (if no obvious fractures are present) to assist in preventing shock. The client is kept warm (using sterile linens) and is placed on NPO status because of the altered gastrointestinal function that occurs as a result of the burn injury. A Foley catheter may be inserted so that the response to the fluid resuscitation can be carefully monitored. Once these actions are taken, the nurse performs a complete assessment, stays with the client, and monitors the client closely. In addition, tetanus toxoid may be prescribed for prophylaxis.

An older client has been lying in a supine position for the past 3 hours. The nurse who is repositioning this client would be most concerned with examining which bony prominences of the client? Select all that apply.

1,3,4,5 When the client is lying supine, the heels, sacrum, and back of the head are all at risk, as are the elbows and scapulae. The greater trochanter and ankles are at greater risk of skin breakdown from excessive pressure when the client is in the side-lying position

The nurse has provided home care instructions to a client after blepharoplasty. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?

1."I need to keep ice on my eyes for at least 3 days. Blepharoplasty is the use of plastic surgery to restore or repair the eyelid or eyebrow (brow lift). Home care instructions after blepharoplasty include the administration of cool compresses for 24 (not 72) hours. Vigorous activities, such as sports, need to be avoided for 1 month. Because lying on the side increases the possibility of swelling in the dependent eye area, the client should sleep supine with at least 2 pillows to elevate the head. The client should understand the importance of not bending over at the waist for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Bending would increase pressure to the operative area.

A 60-kg client has sustained third-degree burns over 40% of the body. Using the Parkland (Baxter) formula, the minimum fluid requirements are which during the first 24 hours after the burn?

1.9600 mL of lactated Ringer's solution The Parkland (Baxter) formula is 4 mL of lactated Ringer's solution × kg body weight × percent burn. The calculation is performed as follows: 4 mL × 60 kg × 40 = 9600 mL.

A burn-injured client is receiving treatments of topical mafenide acetate to the site of injury. The nurse should monitor the client for which systemic effect that can occur from the use of this medication?

1.Acidosis

The nurse expects to note which prescription for a client with a skin infection that extends into the dermis?

1.Applying warm compresses to the affected area

The emergency department nurse is caring for a client who has sustained chemical burns to the esophagus after ingestion of lye. The nurse reviews the primary health care provider's prescriptions and should plan to question which prescription?

1.Gastric lavage The client who has sustained chemical burns to the esophagus is placed on NPO status, is given IV fluids for replacement and treatment of possible shock, and is prepared for esophagoscopy and barium swallow to determine the extent of damage. Laboratory studies also may be prescribed. A nasogastric tube may be inserted, but gastric lavage and emesis are avoided to prevent further erosion of the mucosa by the irritating substances that these treatments involve.

A client taking calcium carbonate chewable tablets and ranitidine is on nothing by mouth (NPO) status and has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place after suffering bilateral burns to the legs. The nurse determines that the client's gastrointestinal (GI) status is least satisfactory if which finding is noted on assessment?

1.Gastric pH of 3 The gastric pH should be maintained at 7 or greater with the use of prescribed antacids and histamine 2 (H2) receptor-blocking agents. Lowered pH (to the acidic range) in the absence of food or tube feedings can lead to erosion of the gastric lining and ulcer development. Absence of discomfort and bleeding (guaiac-negative drainage) are normal findings. The client's bowel sounds may be expected to be hypoactive in the absence of oral or NG tube intake.

The nurse is providing an educational session to community members regarding Lyme disease. The nurse should provide what information regarding this disease?

1.It is caused by a tick bite.

The nurse provides discharge instructions to a client after skin patch testing. Which instruction should be included on the discharge sheet for the client?

1.Keep the test sites dry. The nurse instructs the client to keep the test sites dry at all times. The nurse also discourages excessive physical activity that will result in sweating. If the client reapplies patches that come loose, this can interfere with an accurate interpretation of the allergic reactions. The nurse reinforces the necessity of removing loose or nonadherent test patches for reapplication at a later date. The initial reading is performed 2 days after application, and the final reading is performed 2 to 5 days later.

The nurse is preparing to care for a burn client scheduled for an escharotomy procedure being performed for a third-degree circumferential arm burn. The nurse understands that which finding is the anticipated therapeutic outcome of the escharotomy?

1.Return of distal pulses Escharotomies are performed to relieve the compartment syndrome that can occur when edema forms under nondistensible eschar in a circumferential third-degree burn. The escharotomy releases the tourniquet-like compression around the arm. Escharotomies are performed through avascular eschar to subcutaneous fat. Although bleeding may occur from the site, it is considered a complication rather than an anticipated therapeutic outcome. Usually, direct pressure with a bulky dressing and elevation control the bleeding, but occasionally an artery is damaged and may require ligation. Escharotomy does not affect the formation of edema. Formation of granulation tissue is not the intent of an escharotomy.

The nurse is making initial rounds on the nursing unit to check the condition of assigned clients. The client complains of discomfort at the intravenous (IV) site, and the nurse notes that the site is cool, pale, and swollen and that the solution is infusing slowly. What action should the nurse take first?

1.Stop the IV infusion.

A client returns to the clinic for follow-up treatment following a skin biopsy of a suspicious lesion performed 1 week ago. The biopsy report indicates that the lesion is a melanoma. The nurse understands that melanoma has which characteristics? Select all that apply.

2,3

Which individuals are most likely to be at risk for development of psoriasis? Select all that apply.

2,3,4 Psoriasis is a chronic, noninfectious skin inflammation involving keratin synthesis that results in psoriatic patches. Various forms exist, with psoriasis vulgaris being the most common type. Possible causes of the disorder include stress, trauma, infection, hormonal changes, obesity, an autoimmune reaction, and climate changes; a genetic predisposition may also be a cause. The disorder also may be exacerbated by the use of certain medications. Psoriasis occurs equally among women and men, although the incidence is lower in darker-skinned races and ethnic groups

The nurse is assessing for changes in skin color in a dark-skinned client. The nurse finds which areas helpful in assessing for pallor or cyanosis? Select all that apply.

2,3,5 Skin color may be more difficult to assess in the client with dark skin. The best areas to use to detect pallor and cyanosis include the tongue, nail beds, and mucous membranes. The sclerae are most useful in evaluating jaundice. Elbows and heels are not appropriate areas to assess for skin color changes.

The nurse is caring for a client with a diabetic ulcer. What discharge instructions should the nurse provide to the client? Select all that apply.

2,3,5 The client with a diabetic ulcer needs to take strict precautions and implement very specific measures to allow for wound healing. Interventions include washing the feet with warm (not hot) water daily with a mild soap, using lanolin to prevent drying and cracking, wearing closed-toed shoes that are well fitting and avoiding high-heel and open-toed shoes, and exercising the feet daily by walking and flexing at the ankle to promote circulation.