Question

A nurse assesses a client admitted with deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns on the face, arms, and chest. Which assessment finding should alert the nurse to a potential complication?

1) Partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO₂) of 80 mm Hg
2) Urine output of 20 mL/hr
3) Productive cough with white pulmonary secretions
4) Core temperature of 100.6° F (38° C)

Answer 1

A nurse should be alerted to a potential complication in a burn patient if they have a productive cough with white pulmonary secretions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment finding that should alert the nurse to a potential complication in a client admitted with deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns on the face, arms, and chest is a productive cough with white pulmonary secretions.

This finding suggests the presence of respiratory infection or pneumonia, which can be a serious complication in burn patients.

Other assessment findings may also indicate potential complications, but the cough with white pulmonary secretions specifically points to a respiratory issue.