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BURN NCLEX EXAM 2023-2024 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
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1. A nurse is caring for a client who has full-thickness burns covering 63% of her body and
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smoke inhalation. Which of the following nursing actions is top priority?
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A. Monitor intake and output
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B. Administer antibiotics
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C. Monitor respiratory status
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D. Encourage fluid and food intake
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Correct Answer is C. Monitor Respiratory Status
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The priority action for the nurse when using airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC)
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approach to client care is to monitor the client’s respiratory status closely. Smoke
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inhalation most likely includes a thermal injury to the tracheobronchial tree. Edema from
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the inflammatory response to heat can obstruct the airway. Endotracheal intubation may
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become necessary to maintain a patient airway.
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Incorrect Answers
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A. The nurse should monitor the client’s intake and output because clients who have
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sustained major burns quickly dehydrate as a result of the fluid shift from the
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vascular system into the interstitial space; however, another action is the priority.
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B. Infection is serious health risk for clients who sustained major burns, and antibiotic
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therapy is probable; however, another action is the priority.
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C. Nutritional support is essential for clients who sustained major burns, although they
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might receive nutrients via IV or enteral tube initially; another action is the priority
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2. A nurse is planning care for a client who has deep partial-thickness and full-thickness
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thermal burns over 40% of his total body surface and is in the acute phase of burn injury.
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Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
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A. Initiate range of motion exercises
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B. Use clean technique to provide wound care
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C. Place the client on low protein diet
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D. Maintain the client on bed rest
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Correct Answer: A. Initiate range of motion exercises
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The nurse should begin performing active and passive range of motion exercises with the
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client to maintain mobility and prevent contractures.
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Incorrect Answers:
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B. The nurse should use sterile technique to provide wound care for this client to
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reduce the risk of infection.
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C. The nurse should place the client on a high-protein, high-calorie diet to promote
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wound healing.
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D. The nurse should encourage the client to ambulate frequently to promote mobility
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and improve ventilation.
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3. A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has burn wounds on her face and hands.
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Which of the following statements by the client indicates that she has adapted to her
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changed body image?
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A. “May I go with my family to visitor’s lounge?”
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B. “I’ll see my friends when I get home”
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C. “My dad is coming to visit me. Can you fix my hair for me?”
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D. “I told my cousins I’m in protective custody.”
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Correct Answer: A. “May I go with my family to the lounge?”
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Incorrect Answers:
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B. This statement indicates that the client does not feel comfortable being seen by
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her peer group. Since peer interaction is important to an adolescent, the client's statement
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shows that she has not accepted the alterations in her face and hands.
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C. Asking for assistance with her appearance indicates the client has not yet accepted
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or adapted to her changed body image. Encouraging the client’s participation in self-care
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activities is a suggested nursing intervention because the independence fosters self-worth
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and a positive self-image.
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D. This statement indicates that the client does not feel comfortable being seen by
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her extended family. It demonstrates an attempt to escape from interpersonal contact and
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indicates that the client has not accepted the alterations in her face and hands.
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4. A nurse is evaluating the laboratory values of a client who is in the resuscitation phase
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following a major burn. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse
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expect?
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A. Hemoglobin 10 g/dL
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B. Sodium 132 mEq/L
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C. Albumin 3.6 g/dL
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D. Potassium 4.0 mEq/dL
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Correct Answer: B. Sodium 132 mEq/L
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This laboratory finding is below the expected reference range. The nurse should
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anticipate a low sodium level because sodium is trapped in interstitial space.
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Incorrect Answer:
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A. This laboratory value is below the expected reference range. The nurse should
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anticipate an elevated hemoglobin level during the resuscitation phase due to the loss of
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fluid volume.
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C. This laboratory finding is within the expected reference range. The nurse should
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anticipate a low albumin level during the resuscitation phase.
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D. This laboratory finding is within the expected reference range. The nurse should
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anticipate an elevated potassium level during the resuscitation phase.
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5. A nurse is caring for a client who has burn injuries on his trunk. The nurse is explaining
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what to expect from the prescribed hydrotherapy. Which of the following statements by
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the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
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A. “I will be on a special shower table.”
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B. “The water temperature will be very cool to ease my pain.”
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C. “The nurse will use a firm-bristled brush to remove loose skin.”
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D. “The nurse will use scissors to open small blisters.” sh
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Correct Answer: A. "I will be on a special shower table."
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The special shower table facilitates examination and debridement of the wound during
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hydrotherapy. An advantage of using the showering technique as opposed to a tub bath is
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that the water can be kept at a constant temperature; there is also a lower risk of wound
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infection.
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Incorrect Answers:
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