A patient with 50% total body surface burns is recovering from graft surgery. What should the nurse identify as major goals of care for this patient? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Because altered immune function is sustained throughout the healing phase, the burn patients may be susceptible to infections and colds. Appropriate precautions should be taken, including avoiding unnecessary exposure to people with colds or infections and maintaining up-to-date immunizations.
2. The maturing burn scar is fragile and susceptible to wound breakdown from shearing and pressure. Wound breakdown can occur after the patient is discharged from the hospital.
3. Hypertrophic scarring occurs most often along the edges of skin grafts. Hypertrophic scarring can be prevented or greatly reduced by the application of pressure garments.
4. Fluid resuscitation occurs during the resuscitation phase of burn care.
5. Exercise helps prevent the development of contractures after a major burn.

A Patient with 50% Total Body Surface Burns Is Recovering