PRIORITY for BURN??

[johwen93]

Patient is having 15% third degree burn. What is priority?

A.prevent wound infection

B.Replace fluid and electrolyte

What would be the best answer?

I know B. Is correct... but third degree burn....I don't know which is best answer... thanks replying :))

[klone, MSN, RN]

Why don't you tell us why you think B is the correct answer?

When prioritizing, you should consider which needs are more immediate and life threatening.

[Caffeine_IV]

What would happen if you make prevention of wound infection your priority?

What would happen if you make replacing fluid and electrolytes the priority?

What are burn patients at high risk for early on?

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

B is the best answer...you already know it and I know it too but now you need to go and figure out why. Go look up the "inital phase of a burn injury or the ebb phase of a burn injury and the nursing and medical care needed during this phase". Once you have a solid understanding of the pathophysiology of burns you will know why "B" is the correct answer.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

B is the text book answer. Pain control is the nursing answer.

[johwen93]

Thanks!! I get confused with the answer A because it is third degree n I never seen that question before.

But I know if burn patient, we have to replace fluid n electrolyte as their skin get burns thus, patients needs to be kept hydrated .

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Thanks!! I get confused with the answer A because it is third degree n I never seen that question before.

But I know if burn patient, we have to replace fluid n electrolyte as their skin get burns thus, patients needs to be kept hydrated .

This is one of those questions where you have to find the MOST correct answer. :) Yes infection is *a* priority, but with a full-thickness burn fluid/electrolyte loss starts pretty much immediately. Lose the skin, damage capillaries, and you lose the ability to contain that stuff, and this is more imminently life-threatening than an infection. So you're correct--it's B.

[blackvans1234]

What happens to fluid movement in the initial stage of burns?

Ever heard of the parkland formula?

If that stumps you, dont forget your ABC's

Pt wont get an infection if they dye from hypovolemia (or if they develop a dysrhythmia from a potassium imbalance!) first.

Hypovolemia falls into the C category of ABC's.

If they were burned on the face or chest, they would qualify for airway concerns too right?

If you've ''never seen something'' always go back to your fundamentals (ABC , maslow). Also remember the pathophysiology involved.