Question

A 5-year old child is admitted with full thickness burns over 30% of the total body surface areas (TBSA). After fluid replacement therapy is initiated, which finding should the PN use to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

Answer 1

To evaluate the effectiveness of fluid replacement therapy for a child with burns over 30% of TBSA, the PN should monitor urine output, vital signs, and mental status as indicators of adequate circulation and hydration.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating the effectiveness of fluid replacement therapy for a 5-year old child with full thickness burns over 30% of the TBSA, the Practical Nurse (PN) should monitor various clinical signs. These include urine output, vital signs, mental status, and the absence of symptoms such as continued thirst or confusion, which may indicate inadequate fluid resuscitation. In burn patients, maintaining adequate circulation and tissue perfusion is crucial, with urine output being a key indicator of renal function and fluid balance.

Monitoring urine output is particularly vital; it should be around 0.5-1 ml/kg/hr for pediatric patients. Urine output is an indicator that the kidneys are receiving enough blood flow to function properly. Additionally, the PN must assess the patient's vital signs regularly to ensure they're stable as this also reflects effective perfusion.