what is an escharotomy and when is it performed
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ATI Capstone Medical Surgical Assessment 1 Quizlet

1. What is an escharotomy and when is it performed?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An escharotomy is a surgical incision made to release pressure in a part of the body that has a deep burn and excessive swelling. This procedure is crucial in preventing further damage due to restricted blood flow and compromised circulation. Choice B is incorrect because it describes debridement, which is the removal of dead tissue from wounds. Choice C is incorrect as it does not specifically address the purpose of relieving pressure in burn injuries. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a procedure more related to thoracentesis, which is the removal of excess fluid from the chest, typically the pleural space.

2. What is the priority intervention when continuous bubbling is observed in the water seal chamber of a chest tube?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Check for an air leak.' Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicates an air leak, which can compromise the effectiveness of the chest tube in re-expanding the lung. Checking for an air leak is crucial to prevent respiratory complications. Choice B is incorrect because continuous bubbling is not normal and requires immediate intervention to address the air leak. Choice C is incorrect as replacing the entire chest tube system is not the initial priority when an air leak is suspected. Choice D is incorrect because tightening tube connections may not address the underlying issue of an air leak and should not be the initial action taken in this situation.

3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is starting to take carbidopa/levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the teaching is that carbidopa/levodopa can cause the client's urine to turn a dark color, which is a harmless effect. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the client about this common side effect. Choice B is incorrect because immediate relief is not expected; therapeutic effects may take weeks to months. Choice C is incorrect as carbidopa/levodopa should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Choice D is incorrect as the client should not skip doses without consulting their healthcare provider, even if they experience dizziness.

4. What should a healthcare provider teach a patient who has experienced an acute episode of gastritis?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in potassium. During an acute episode of gastritis, it is advisable to avoid foods high in potassium as they can exacerbate symptoms. Potassium-rich foods may irritate the stomach lining, leading to increased discomfort. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in sodium is not specifically related to managing gastritis. Increasing exercise to reduce stress is a good general recommendation but not directly related to managing gastritis symptoms. Drinking milk as a snack is not recommended for gastritis as dairy products can sometimes worsen symptoms due to their fat content.

5. What lab value should be prioritized in a patient with HIV?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: CD4 T-cell count below 180 cells/mm3. In a patient with HIV, monitoring the CD4 T-cell count is crucial as it reflects the status of the immune system. A CD4 T-cell count below 200 cells/mm3 indicates severe immunocompromise and risk of opportunistic infections. Hemoglobin levels (choice B) are important for assessing anemia but do not directly reflect the immune status in HIV patients. Serum albumin levels (choice C) are indicators of nutritional status and inflammation, not specific to HIV disease progression. White blood cell count (choice D) may fluctuate due to various conditions and is not as specific as the CD4 T-cell count in assessing HIV progression.

Similar Questions

The nurse misread a patient's glucose as 210 mg/dL instead of 120 mg/dL and administered the insulin dose for a reading over 200 mg/dL. What is the priority action?
What teaching should be provided to a patient following an escharotomy for burn injuries?
A client who has burn injuries covering their upper body is concerned about their altered appearance. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
What should be included in teaching for a patient with pre-dialysis end-stage kidney disease?
What is the first medication to give to a patient experiencing wheezing due to an allergic reaction?

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