A burned patient had an escharotomy on the right anterior thigh. Which assessment finding indicates that this procedure has been effective?
A.
Absence of infection in the burn
B.
Compartment pressure of 42 mm Hg
C.
Decreased pain in the right leg
D.
Pedal pulses 3+/4+ bilaterally
ANS: D
An escharotomy is performed when eschar impedes circulation. Strong and equal pedal pulses indicate return of circulation. Escharotomies are not related to preventing infection. A compartment pressure greater than 30 mm Hg requires emergency surgery. Decreased pain is usually the finding when eschar is present and intact.
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