Question

The nurse is administering fluids intravenously as prescribed to a client who sustained superficial partial-thickness burn injuries of the back and legs. In evaluating the adequacy of fluid resuscitation, the nurse understands that which assessment would provide the most reliable indicator for determining the adequacy?

a.Vital signs


b. Urine output


c. Mental status


d. Peripheral pulses

Answer 1

Urine output is the most reliable indicator for determining the adequacy of fluid resuscitation in burn patients, reflecting renal perfusion and fluid balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

In evaluating the adequacy of fluid resuscitation for a client with superficial partial-thickness burn injuries, urine output is the most reliable indicator. Adequate fluid resuscitation is crucial in burn patients to prevent dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and renal and circulatory failure. While vital signs, mental status, and peripheral pulses provide important information, it is urine output that most directly reflects renal perfusion and fluid balance.

The goal is to maintain a urine output of roughly 0.5 to 1 mL/kg/hr in adults or 1 to 2 mL/kg/hr in children, which indicates good renal perfusion and, by extension, that the circulatory volume is being adequately maintained. This measurement is part of the ongoing assessment of a burn patient's response to fluid therapy and helps prevent complications such as acute kidney injury.