Burn victim assessment | Nursing homework help
- The Parkland formula for fluid resuscitation is based on the weight of the client and the percentage of body surface area (BSA) affected by burns. The formula involves administering 4 mL of lactated Ringer’s solution per kg of body weight per percentage of BSA burned, with half of the total calculated volume given in the first 8 hours post-burn and the other half given over the next 16 hours.
In this case, the client weighs 110 pounds, which is equivalent to approximately 50 kg. The extent of the burn is not mentioned, so let’s assume it is 30% based on the severity of the client’s condition. Therefore, the fluid requirement would be:
4 mL x 50 kg x 30% = 6,000 mL or 6 liters of lactated Ringer’s solution in 24 hours
Half of this volume (3 liters) should be given in the first 8 hours post-burn and the other half should be given over the next 16 hours.
- Possible assessment findings of smoke inhalation include cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, soot in the mouth or nose, or burns around the face, neck, or mouth. In addition, a pulse oximetry reading may show decreased oxygen saturation levels.
- The drug of choice for pain relief in burn patients is opioid analgesics, such as morphine or fentanyl. These medications should be given intravenously (IV) for immediate pain relief.
- Adequate nutrition is critical for burn wound healing. The client’s nutritional requirements may include increased protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. Enteral or parenteral nutrition may be necessary if the client is unable to take oral feedings due to the extent of the burns.
- To prevent infection, measures such as hand hygiene, use of sterile equipment, and wound care are taken. The client may receive prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection, and the wounds may be covered with a sterile dressing. Clients with extensive burns are at high risk for sepsis, so monitoring for signs of systemic infection is important.