Author Question: A patient with circumferential burns of both legs develops a decrease in dorsalis pedis pulse ... (Read 119 times)

cagreen833 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient with circumferential burns of both legs develops a decrease in dorsalis pedis pulse strength and numbness in the toes. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Notify the health care provider.
b. Monitor the pulses every 2 hours.
c. Elevate both legs above heart level with pillows.
d. Encourage the patient to flex and extend the toes on both feet.

Question 2

A patient has just been admitted with a 40 total body surface area (TBSA) burn injury. To maintain adequate nutrition, the nurse should plan to take which action?

a. Insert a feeding tube and initiate enteral feedings.
b. Infuse total parenteral nutrition via a central catheter.
c. Encourage an oral intake of at least 5000 kcal per day.
d. Administer multiple vitamins and minerals in the IV solution.

ynlevi · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The decrease in pulse in a patient with circumferential burns indicates decreased circulation to the legs and the need for an escharotomy. Monitoring the pulses is not an adequate response to the decrease in circulation. Elevating the legs or increasing toe movement will not improve the patient's circulation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Enteral feedings can usually be initiated during the emergent phase at low rates and increased over 24 to 48 hours to the goal rate. During the emergent phase, the patient will be unable to eat enough calories to meet nutritional needs and may have a paralytic ileus that prevents adequate nutrient absorption. Vitamins and minerals may be administered during the emergent phase, but these will not assist in meeting the patient's caloric needs. Parenteral nutrition increases the infection risk, does not help preserve gastrointestinal function, and is not routinely used in burn patients.