Author Question: A burned patient had an escharotomy on the right anterior thigh. Which assessment finding indicates ... (Read 58 times)

meagbuch · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A burned patient had an escharotomy on the right anterior thigh. Which assessment finding indicates that this procedure has been effective?

A.
Absence of infection in the burn
B.
Compartment pressure of 42 mm Hg
C.
Decreased pain in the right leg
D.
Pedal pulses 3+/4+ bilaterally

Question 2

A child who is intubated and on a mechanical ventilator is being transferred from the emergency department to the burn unit. Which action by the nurse takes priority?

A.
Ensure an Ambu bag is at the bedside.
B.
Have sedation available if needed.
C.
Orient the family to the burn unit.
D.
Place the patient on protective isolation.

jaygar71 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
An escharotomy is performed when eschar impedes circulation. Strong and equal pedal pulses indicate return of circulation. Escharotomies are not related to preventing infection. A compartment pressure greater than 30 mm Hg requires emergency surgery. Decreased pain is usually the finding when eschar is present and intact.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Maintaining a patent airway is the priority in this child. The nurse should make sure an Ambu bag is at the bedside and that other emergency equipment is available. Sedation may be needed. Orienting the family is important but is not the priority. There is no indication that the child needs protective isolation.