Question

A client with burn injuries has lost a significant amount of body fluid. An IV of lactated ringer's solution is infusing at 200 mL/hr, and the client's urine output for the past 8 hours is 400 mL. Which sign or symptom is the top priority in early distributive shock?

A. A change in BP from 118/60 to 102/68
B. A change in level of consciousness from awake to restless
C. A decrease in O2 saturation from 98% to 93%
D. A decrease in urine output over 8 hours from 400 to 240 mL

Answer 1

A significant decrease in urine output is a top priority sign of early distributive shock in patients with burn injuries, indicating the body's struggle to maintain adequate circulation and requiring prompt intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The top priority sign or symptom in early stages of distributive shock, often resulting from severe burns or fluid loss, is a decrease in urine output. In the case of a client with burn injuries, a drop in urine output from 400 mL to 240 mL over 8 hours is significant and can indicate worsening shock.

This decrease signifies the body's failure to maintain adequate blood flow, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrients being supplied to the tissues. In shock, the circulatory system, unable to meet the metabolic demands of cells, results in a critical situation that, if left uncorrected, can lead to fatal outcomes. The priority in treating such a patient would involve stabilizing the patient's fluid status with intravenous fluids and, if necessary, medications that support blood pressure and circulation.