1a. Using the rule of nines, calculate the patient’s total body surface area burned.
Doctors use the rule of nines to help calculate the treatment requirements for burn injuries on a patient. The physician can use this concept to evaluate the total percentage of the patient’s body is burnt. The total percentage of burns on the neck is 4.5%, chest 9%, left arm 9%, and abdomen 9%. The total surface area of burns on the patient’s body is 31.5%.
1b. Based on a calculation of 31.5% body surface area burned and using the Parkland Formula, how much fluid resuscitation should the patient receive in the first 8 hours?
Parkland’s formula dictates that the total fluid requirement in 24 hours is 4ml by the total burnt surface area by the total body weight. Fifty percent of the fluid is given in the first eight hours, while the rest is provided in the preceding 16 hours. Therefore, the total burnt surface area on the patient’s body is: 4 x 31.5 x 60 = 7560ml. This means that 3780 ml will be provided within the first eight hours.
1c. What clinical manifestations would be expected based on the extent and location of her burn injuries?
The severity and extent of burns on a patient’s body determine the clinical manifestations. The patient in the case study suffered third-degree and second-degree burns. Second-degree burns have clinical manifestations like pain, sensitivity to air currents, and hyperesthesia. Third-degree burns manifest as a shock, lack of physical sensation, red-pigmented urine, hemolysis, and possible contact points.
1d. Prioritize nursing diagnoses and collaborative problems for this patient.
Diagnoses in order of priority will include physical mobility impairment, disturbed body image, anxiety, impaired skin integrity, imbalance in nutrition, acute pain, probability of infection, ineffective tissue perfusion, risk of fluid deficiency.
2a. What are the goals of burn care?
There are currently six primary goals of burn care. Treatment aims to control pain, remove dead tissue, prevent infection of the wounds, reduce scarring, promote healing of wounds, prevent any kinds of complications, regain function of the affected part, address the emotional needs of victims to help them cope with the situation.
2b. What is the role of the nurse during the management of wounds?
There are several key points to follow to help avoid cases of burns from fire hazards. People are advised to be alarmed and always ready for incidents by installing gadgets like smoke alarms in every room and testing them. Have and practice an escape plan and make sure everyone knows their way out of every room with a central meeting place outside. Practice safe cooking habits such as not leaving food unattended on the stove and monitoring children using appliances like microwaves. Checking the water heater temperature and ensuring the thermostat is not more than 120 Fahrenheit.
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