Which nursing action is a priority for a patient who has suffered ...

[biggirl4568]

Which nursing action is a priority for a patient who has suffered a burn injury while working on an electrical power line?
 
  a. Obtain the blood pressure.
  b. Stabilize the cervical spine.
  c. Assess for the contact points.
  d. Check alertness and orientation.

Question 2

Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient in the rehabilitation phase after a burn injury to the right arm and chest?
 
  a. Keep the right arm in a position of comfort.
  b. Avoid the use of sustained-release narcotics.
  c. Teach about the purpose of tetanus immunization.
  d. Apply water-based cream to burned areas frequently.

[Liddy]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Cervical spine injuries are commonly associated with electrical burns. Therefore stabilization of the cervical spine takes precedence after airway management. The other actions are also included in the emergent care after electrical burns, but the most important action is to avoid spinal cord injury.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Application of water-based emollients will moisturize new skin and decrease flakiness and itching. To avoid contractures, the joints of the right arm should be positioned in an extended position, which is not the position of comfort. Patients may need to continue the use of opioids during rehabilitation. Tetanus immunization would have been given during the emergent phase of the burn injury.