Chapter 26: Care of Patients with Burns

Chapter 26: Care of Patients with Burns

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. The registered nurse assigns a client who has an open burn wound to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Which instruction should the nurse provide to the LPN when assigning this client?
   1. “Administer the prescribed tetanus toxoid vaccine.”
   2. “Assess the client’s wounds for signs of infection.”
   3. “Encourage the client to breathe deeply every hour.”
   4. “Wash your hands on entering the client’s room.”

ANS:   D

Infection can occur when microorganisms from another person or from the environment are transferred to the client. Although all of the interventions listed can help reduce the risk for infection, handwashing is the most effective technique for preventing infection transmission.

DIF:     Applying/Application                         REF: 466                     KEY: Infection control| Standard Precautions| collaboration                               MSC:                         Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation                                 NOT:                          Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care

2. The nurse is caring for a client with an acute burn injury. Which action should the nurse take to prevent infection by autocontamination?
   1. Use a disposable blood pressure cuff to avoid sharing with other clients.
   2. Change gloves between wound care on different parts of the client’s body.
   3. Use the closed method of burn wound management for all wound care.
   4. Advocate for proper and consistent handwashing by all members of the staff.

ANS:   B

Autocontamination is the transfer of microorganisms from one area to another area of the same client’s body, causing infection of a previously uninfected area. Although all techniques listed can help reduce the risk for infection, only changing gloves between performing wound care on different parts of the client’s body can prevent autocontamination.

DIF:     Applying/Application                         REF: 485                     KEY: Infection control| Standard Precautions                                                                  MSC:             Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation                                 NOT: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Safety and Infection Control

3. The nurse teaches burn prevention to a community group. Which statement by a member of the group should cause the nurse the greatest concern?
   1. “I get my chimney swept every other year.”
   2. “My hot water heater is set at 120 degrees.”
   3. “Sometimes I wake up at night and smoke.”
   4. “I use a space heater when it gets below zero.”

ANS:           C

House fires are a common occurrence and often lead to serious injury or death. The nurse should be most concerned about a person who wakes up at night and smokes. The nurse needs to question this person about whether he or she gets out of bed to do so, or if this person stays in bed, which could lead to falling back asleep with a lighted cigarette. Although it is recommended to have chimneys swept every year, skipping a year does not pose as much danger as smoking in bed, particularly if the person does not burn wood frequently. Water heaters should be set below 140° F. Space heaters should be used with caution, and the nurse may want to ensure that the person does not allow it to get near clothing or bedding.

DIF:            Applying/Application                         REF:    472                   KEY: Safety| smoking cessation                     MSC:                                                  Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning NOT: Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance

4. A nurse cares for a client who has facial burns. The client asks, “Will I ever look the same?” How should the nurse respond?
   1. “With reconstructive surgery, you can look the same.”
   2. “We can remove the scars with the use of a pressure dressing.”
   3. “You will not look exactly the same but cosmetic surgery will help.”
   4. “You shouldn’t start worrying about your appearance right now.”

ANS:           C

Many clients have unrealistic expectations of reconstructive surgery and envision an appearance identical or equal in quality to the preburn state. The nurse should provide accurate information that includes something to hope for. Pressure dressings prevent further scarring; they cannot remove scars. The client and the family should be taught the expected cosmetic outcomes.

DIF:            Applying/Application                         REF:    488

KEY:          Psychosocial response| patient education

MSC:          Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning

NOT:          Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity