Sample Questions and Answers
A patient with severe burns is admitted to the emergency department. What is the priority nursing action?
Administer pain medication
B. Begin fluid resuscitation
C. Apply antibiotic ointment to the burns
D. Cover the burns with sterile dressings
Answer: B
A burn patient’s urine output drops to 20 mL/hr. What should the nurse do first?
Increase fluid infusion rate
B. Check the urinary catheter for patency
C. Notify the healthcare provider
D. Administer a diuretic as prescribed
Answer: B
Which electrolyte imbalance is most common during the emergent phase of a burn injury?
Hypercalcemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: C
A nurse assesses a patient with electrical burns. Which complication is the patient at greatest risk for?
Infection
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Renal failure
D. Respiratory distress
Answer: B
When applying silver sulfadiazine to a burn, the nurse knows that:
It is applied directly to the wound bed and covered with a dressing.
B. It is left open to the air for better absorption.
C. It should only be used for full-thickness burns.
D. A thick layer should be applied to promote healing.
Answer: A
Which of the following is a sign of inhalation injury in a burn patient?
Bright red blood in the sputum
B. Hoarseness and stridor
C. Clear breath sounds on auscultation
D. Normal oxygen saturation
Answer: B
A patient with burns develops blisters filled with clear fluid. These burns are classified as:
Superficial burns
B. Superficial partial-thickness burns
C. Deep partial-thickness burns
D. Full-thickness burns
Answer: B
During the acute phase of burn care, the primary focus is:
Pain management
B. Infection prevention
C. Fluid resuscitation
D. Wound closure
Answer: B
Which intervention helps prevent contractures in burn patients?
Applying compression garments
B. Encouraging bedrest
C. Performing active and passive range of motion exercises
D. Avoiding the use of splints
Answer: C
The Parkland formula for fluid resuscitation is calculated based on:
Body weight
B. Percentage of total body surface area burned
C. Age of the patient
D. Duration of the burn exposure
Answer: B
A patient with 40% TBSA burns is in the rehabilitation phase. The nurse should prioritize:
Preventing infection
B. Maintaining fluid balance
C. Promoting mobility and function
D. Managing electrolyte imbalances
Answer: C
A burn patient is at risk for Curling’s ulcer. What medication might be prescribed to prevent it?
Antibiotics
B. Proton pump inhibitors
C. Analgesics
D. Diuretics
Answer: B
In patients with burns, escharotomy is performed to:
Prevent hypertrophic scarring
B. Relieve circulatory compromise
C. Reduce infection risk
D. Promote wound healing
Answer: B
What dietary recommendation is appropriate for a burn patient in the acute phase?
High-protein, high-calorie diet
B. Low-protein, low-sodium diet
C. High-carbohydrate, low-fat diet
D. Low-calorie, low-sodium diet
Answer: A
Which assessment finding suggests that fluid resuscitation is effective?
Heart rate of 120 bpm
B. Central venous pressure (CVP) of 1 mm Hg
C. Urine output of 50 mL/hr
D. Systolic blood pressure of 85 mm Hg
Answer: C
What type of dressing is used for burns that require autografting?
Wet-to-dry dressing
B. Dry sterile gauze
C. Non-adherent dressing
D. Occlusive hydrocolloid dressing
Answer: C
A patient reports pain during wound care. The nurse’s best action is to:
Perform wound care quickly
B. Administer prescribed analgesics before wound care
C. Teach relaxation techniques during the procedure
D. Encourage the patient to tolerate the pain
Answer: B
In the resuscitation phase, a burn patient is most at risk for:
Hypovolemia
B. Hypervolemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: A
Which diagnostic test is most critical for assessing a burn patient with suspected smoke inhalation?
Serum carboxyhemoglobin levels
B. Complete blood count (CBC)
C. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Answer: A
The nurse knows a patient with burns needs further teaching when they state:
“I should wear sunscreen when I go outside.”
B. “I’ll use moisturizers to keep my skin soft.”
C. “I should avoid wearing pressure garments to feel more comfortable.”
D. “I’ll eat foods high in protein to help my recovery.”
Answer: C
What is a priority concern for a patient with burns over 50% of the body?
Chronic pain
B. Hypothermia
C. Sepsis
D. Fluid overload
Answer: C
Which sign indicates an adequate airway in a patient with burns?
Pink, moist mucous membranes
B. Hoarse voice
C. Singed nasal hairs
D. Inspiratory stridor
Answer: A
A patient receiving fluid resuscitation for burns complains of abdominal tightness and difficulty breathing. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Reassess fluid rates
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
C. Administer pain medication
D. Check the patient’s oxygen saturation
Answer: B
The nurse suspects an infection in a burn wound when:
The wound has a foul odor
B. The wound is dry and healing
C. The patient’s WBC count is within normal limits
D. The wound appears pink and moist
Answer: A
Which intervention minimizes scarring in a burn patient?
Keeping wounds uncovered
B. Applying pressure garments consistently
C. Using cold compresses on the scars
D. Avoiding range-of-motion exercises
Answer: B
What is the primary purpose of administering lactated Ringer’s solution in the emergent phase of burn care?
Prevent infection
B. Restore fluid and electrolyte balance
C. Manage pain effectively
D. Promote wound healing
Answer: B
A patient with burns is experiencing confusion and restlessness. The nurse suspects:
Hypovolemia
B. Hyperthermia
C. Hypoxia
D. Electrolyte imbalance
Answer: C
Which statement indicates the patient understands how to care for a burn wound at home?
“I will scrub my wound daily to remove scabs.”
B. “I’ll apply antibiotic ointment and change the dressing daily.”
C. “I should expose my burn to air to help it heal faster.”
D. “I’ll avoid washing the area to prevent infection.”
Answer: B
The nurse identifies which patient as being at the highest risk for burn shock?
A 30-year-old with 10% TBSA burns
B. A 60-year-old with 25% TBSA burns
C. A 45-year-old with 5% TBSA burns
D. A 70-year-old with superficial burns
Answer: B
A patient with facial burns is prescribed a bronchodilator. The nurse understands the purpose is to:
Relieve pain
B. Reduce airway inflammation
C. Improve oxygenation
D. Prevent bronchospasm
Answer: D
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