When monitoring the vital signs of a patient who has sustained a major burn injury, the nurse assesses a heart rate of 112. What should the nurse determine about this finding?
1. This heart rate is normal for the patient's post-burn injury condition.
2. The patient is demonstrating manifestations consistent with the onset of an infection.
3. The patient is demonstrating manifestations consistent with an electrolyte imbalance.
4. The patient is demonstrating manifestations consistent with renal failure.
Correct Answer: 1
The heart rate in a burn-injured patient is not considered tachycardia until it reaches 120 beats per minute. A heart rate of 112 in this patient does not indicate an infection, an electrolyte imbalance, or renal failure.
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