Mrs. B is a 58-year-old client admitted to the local hospital with burns over much of her body after a motor vehicle accident. During her assessment, the nurse recognizes the need for extra fluids because:

Question

1. Her remaining skin is dry from heat exposure and needs moisture.
2. The client is unable to ambulate independently and must rely on the nurse for fluids.
3. The nurse identified a loss of body weight and is concerned about fluid loss.
4. The client's wounds are exudative and contribute to fluid loss.

Answer 1

4
Rationale: Large exudative wounds and burn injuries contribute to fluid losses and can result in fluid and electrolyte imbalances during metabolic stress. Dry skin results from causes other than fluid loss related to physiologic stress and would benefit from a moisturizer. The client's needs in this situation exceed the normal fluid intake that would be routinely provided by a nurse at the bedside. Loss of body weight, especially lean body mass, usually results from fat and protein catabolism during stress.