Question

A nurse on a burn unit is caring for a client who experienced burn injuries 2 days ago. the client is now showing signs and symptoms of airway obstruction, despite appearing stable since admitted. how should the client's change in status be best understood?

a. the client's respiratory complications are likely related to psychosocial stress
b. the client has likely developed a systemic infection
c. the client is likely experiencing a delayed onset of respiratory complications
d. the client is likely experiencing an anaphylactic reaction to a medication

Answer 1

The client's sudden symptoms of airway obstruction two days post-burn injuries likely indicate a delayed onset of respiratory complications, and not stress, infection, or anaphylactic reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse on a burn unit is caring for a client who experienced burn injuries 2 days ago and is now showing signs and symptoms of airway obstruction despite appearing stable since admission. The change in the client's status can be best understood as c. the client is likely experiencing a delayed onset of respiratory complications due to inflammation, swelling, or other complications related to the initial burn injury that can affect the airway later in the course of recovery.

This scenario is not as likely to be related to psychosocial stress since there is a progression in physical symptoms that indicates a physiological change. It is less likely a systemic infection as these symptoms would typically include more systemic signs such as fever and might not show such rapid onset. Anaphylactic reactions usually happen shortly after exposure to the allergen, which is typically medication or another substance introduced into the patient's system.