Final answer:
In caring for a burn patient, it is essential for the nurse to assess both physical and psychological needs, manage pain effectively, communicate with the family and healthcare team, and perform mental health evaluations when appropriate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assessing a Burn Patient's Needs
When a nurse is caring for a young adult recovering from burns over 75% of their body, a holistic approach to care is essential. This includes not only addressing physical needs, such as pain management and wound care, but also assessing psychological and emotional health. If a patient indicates they're experiencing discomfort or distress, it's pivotal for the nurse to inquire further to understand the underlying issues, which may involve pain or could also be mental health concerns. The next step is to ensure effective pain management through delivery of additional pain medication if needed, while closely monitoring for side effects and efficacy.
Communication with the patient's family and other healthcare team members is critical to provide updates and to collaborate on a comprehensive treatment plan. Performing a depression assessment may be warranted if there are indications of mood changes or expressions of hopelessness, as mental health is a vital component of recovery in burn patients. Understanding stages of grief and the role of hospice care is important in end-of-life situations, but is not immediately applicable to burn recovery unless the situation is terminal.
The care team—which includes the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional—must review aloud key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient. This ensures all team members are on the same page regarding the treatment strategy and any potential complications. Issues such as the need for ongoing blood tests to monitor for complications like infection, and the involvement of other specialists, such as a dietitian or physical therapist, should be communicated among the team.