what is the purpose of an escharotomy

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Medical Surgical Assessment 2 Quizlet

1. What is the purpose of an escharotomy?

A. To relieve pressure and improve circulation in burn injuries
B. To reduce pain in the affected area
C. To remove necrotic tissue from a wound
D. To prevent infection from spreading

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An escharotomy is performed to relieve pressure and improve circulation in areas affected by deep burns. This procedure helps prevent complications such as compartment syndrome by releasing the constricting eschar. Choice B is incorrect because while pain relief may be a secondary outcome of the procedure, the primary purpose is to address pressure and circulation issues. Choice C is incorrect as an escharotomy specifically focuses on releasing pressure, not removing necrotic tissue. Choice D is incorrect as the primary goal of an escharotomy is not to prevent infection but rather to address the immediate issues related to deep burn injuries.

2. What teaching should be provided to a patient following cataract surgery?

A. Avoid NSAIDs
B. Wear dark glasses outdoors
C. Creamy white drainage is normal
D. Avoid alcohol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct teaching to provide to a patient following cataract surgery is to avoid NSAIDs. NSAIDs should be avoided post-cataract surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Choice B, wearing dark glasses outdoors, is important to protect the eyes from bright light but is not directly related to medication use. Choice C, stating that creamy white drainage is normal, is incorrect as drainage should be monitored for excessive redness, swelling, or pain. Choice D, avoiding alcohol, is not a direct post-cataract surgery teaching point related to medication use.

3. What should the nurse do when continuous bubbling is seen in the chest tube water seal chamber?

A. Tighten the connections of the chest tube system
B. Clamp the chest tube
C. Replace the chest tube
D. Continue monitoring the chest tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When continuous bubbling is observed in the chest tube water seal chamber, the nurse should tighten the connections of the chest tube system. This action can often resolve an air leak causing the continuous bubbling. Clamping the chest tube or replacing it would not address the underlying issue of an air leak and may lead to complications. Continuing to monitor the chest tube without taking corrective action may result in the deterioration of the patient's condition.

4. Which lab value is a priority for a patient with HIV?

A. CD4 T-cell count 180 cells/mm3
B. Albumin levels below 3.5 g/dL
C. Potassium levels below 3.5 mEq/L
D. White blood cell count below 5000/mm3

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A CD4 T-cell count of less than 180 cells/mm3 is a priority for a patient with HIV because it indicates severe immunocompromise and an increased risk for opportunistic infections. Monitoring CD4 levels helps in assessing the immune status and guiding treatment decisions in patients with HIV. Albumin levels (choice B) are important for assessing nutritional status but are not a direct indicator of immune function in HIV patients. Potassium levels (choice C) and white blood cell count (choice D) are also important, but the CD4 T-cell count is specifically crucial for evaluating the immune function in individuals with HIV.

5. A nurse in a rural community center is providing education to a group of clients about first aid interventions for snake bites. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Apply an ice pack directly to the affected area
B. Immobilize the affected extremity with a splint
C. Place a tourniquet above and below the affected area
D. Elevate the affected extremity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to immobilize the affected extremity with a splint. This helps to slow the spread of venom by limiting movement. Applying an ice pack directly to the affected area (Choice A) is not recommended for snake bites as it could exacerbate tissue damage. Placing a tourniquet above and below the affected area (Choice C) is also not advised as it can lead to further complications. Elevating the affected extremity (Choice D) is not recommended for snake bites; keeping it below the level of the heart is more appropriate to reduce venom spread.