Question

A patient sustained second- and third-degree burns over 30% of the body surface area approximately 72 hours ago. What type of ulcer should the nurse be alert for while caring for this patient?

A) Cushing's ulcer
B) Cameron ulcer
C) Curling's ulcer
D) Peutz-Jeghers ulcer

Answer 1

The nurse should be alert for Curling's ulcer while caring for the patient with second- and third-degree burns over 30% of the body surface area.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should be alert for Curling's ulcer while caring for a patient who sustained second- and third-degree burns over 30% of the body surface area. Curling's ulcer is a type of stress ulcer that can develop in patients with severe burns or other critical illnesses. It is caused by decreased blood flow to the lining of the stomach, leading to the formation of ulcers.

During the acute phase of burn injury, the body undergoes a systemic response that can result in decreased blood flow to the stomach, leading to Curling's ulcer. The nurse should monitor the patient for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools.

It is important for the nurse to provide appropriate medical interventions and closely monitor the patient while caring for them to prevent or manage Curling's ulcer.