A nurse cares for a client who has facial burns. The client asks, "Will I ever look the same?" How should the nurse respond?
a. "With reconstructive surgery, you can look the same."
b. "We can remove the scars with the use of a pressure dressing."
c. "You will not look exactly the same but cosmetic surgery will help."
d. "You shouldn't start worrying about your appearance right now."
ANS: C
Many clients have unrealistic expectations of reconstructive surgery and envision an appearance identical or equal in quality to the preburn state. The nurse should provide accurate information that includes something to hope for. Pressure dressings prevent further scarring; they cannot remove scars. The client and the family should be taught the expected cosmetic outcomes.
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