PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

For a client with chest movement restrictions due to a burn injury, which intervention should the nurse anticipate?

1. Escharotomy.

2. Fasciotomy.

3. Skin grafting.

4. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The correct answer is: Escharotomy.

In a scenario where a client has chest movement restrictions due to a burn injury, the anticipated intervention would be an escharotomy. This procedure is essential when a burn has resulted in a thick, rigid eschar, which can lead to impaired circulation or ventilation. By performing an escharotomy, the healthcare provider cuts through the eschar, allowing for increased chest expansion and improved respiratory function. This is particularly critical in cases of circumferential burns around the torso or extremities. Escharotomies relieve pressure caused by the burn and help restore blood flow to the underlying tissues. Maintaining respiratory function is a priority in burn care, especially with injuries affecting the chest area. While other interventions like fasciotomy, skin grafting, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be relevant in other contexts of burn management, they are not the immediate intervention indicated primarily for addressing chest movement restrictions due to burn injuries. Fasciotomy is generally performed for compartment syndrome related to extremities rather than the torso. Skin grafting is a later stage procedure aimed at wound closure and healing rather than addressing immediate movement restrictions. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more commonly indicated for specific conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning or certain types of non-healing wounds but is not a first-line