A nurse delegates hydrotherapy to an unlicensed assistive ...

[Lobcity]

A nurse delegates hydrotherapy to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which statement should the nurse include when delegating this activity?
 
  a. Keep the water temperature constant when showering the client.
  b. Assess the wound beds during the hydrotherapy treatment.
  c. Apply a topical enzyme agent after bathing the client.
  d. Use sterile saline to irrigate and clean the client's wounds.

Question 2

A nurse assesses a client admitted with deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns on the face, arms, and chest. Which assessment finding should alert the nurse to a potential complication?
 
  a. Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of 80 mm Hg
  b. Urine output of 20 mL/hr
  c. Productive cough with white pulmonary secretions
  d. Core temperature of 100.6  F (38  C)

[cuttiesgirl16]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Hydrotherapy is performed by showering the client on a special shower table. The UAP should keep the water temperature constant. This process allows the nurse to assess the wound beds, but a UAP cannot complete this act. Topical enzyme agents are not part of hydrotherapy. The irrigation does not need to be done with sterile saline.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
A significant loss of fluid occurs with burn injuries, and fluids must be replaced to maintain hemodynamics. If fluid replacement is not adequate, the client may become hypotensive and have decreased perfusion of organs, including the brain and kidneys. A low urine output is an indication of poor kidney perfusion. The other manifestations are not complications of burn injuries.