Question

The physician has ordered Sulfamylon (mafenide acetate) cream for a client with a partial thickness burn of the right arm. Prior to applying the medication, the nurse should do which of the following? A. Soak the old dressing with hydrogen peroxide B. Administer pain medication C. Offer additional fluids to combat dehydration D. Check extremity for capillary refill

Short answer

Answer: Administer pain medication.

Step-by-step solution

Eliminate options that are clearly incorrect

Before diving into the correct answer, we can try to rule out any options that are certainly not the right actions to perform before applying Sulfamylon cream. Option A (soaking the old dressing with hydrogen peroxide) can be ruled out, as hydrogen peroxide can be cytotoxic and therefore is not recommended for treating burns.

Consider the importance of each remaining option

Now we are left with options B, C, and D. Each of these options might seem reasonable in a burn treatment scenario, but we must determine the one that is most crucial to the question being asked. Consider what action is the most closely related to applying the medication. - Option B (Administer pain medication): Applying Sulfamylon cream could cause pain, so providing pain relief is an important factor in patient care. This is a possibility. - Option C (Offer additional fluids to combat dehydration): While hydration is important for burn patients, it does not seem as closely related to the application of the Sulfamylon cream itself. - Option D (Check extremity for capillary refill): Checking capillary refill can help determine tissue perfusion and is relevant to the patient's overall condition. However, it is not as closely related to the application of the Sulfamylon cream as Option B.

Determine the most appropriate action before applying Sulfamylon cream

Based on the reasoning in step 2, it seems clear that the most relevant and important action for the nurse to take before applying the Sulfamylon cream is to administer pain medication. This ensures that the patient is more comfortable and experiences minimal pain, which is essential in providing optimal care and healing for the burn wound. So the correct answer is Option B: Administer pain medication.

Key concepts

Nursing Interventions

Nursing interventions are critical actions taken to improve patient outcomes. In the context of burn treatment, these interventions commonly focus on pain management, infection prevention, and promoting healing. A nurse's primary role involves assessing the patient's condition, administering treatments, and evaluating the effectiveness of those treatments.

• Assessment: Nurses must continuously assess the burn wound, which includes checking for signs of healing or infection.
• Documentation: Accurate documentation of wound progress and patient response to treatments is essential.
• Education: Educating patients about self-care and signs of complications is crucial for recovery.

Such interventions provide supportive measures ensuring the patient's needs are met during recovery.

Burn Treatment

Burn treatment involves various approaches depending on the burn's severity. Partial-thickness burns, like the one described, affect both the epidermis and dermis. Proper treatment can prevent infection and promote healing.
- **Cleaning the Wound:** Burns must be cleaned gently to prevent infection. Use non-cytotoxic solutions to cleanse the area. - **Applying Topical Creams:** Antimicrobial creams like Sulfamylon are applied to prevent bacterial infections. - **Dressing the Burn:** Appropriate dressing creates a protective environment for the burn, preventing contamination and aiding in moisture retention.
Overall, the focus is on minimizing complications and speeding recovery.

Patient Care

Patient care in burn management requires a holistic approach. It encompasses both physical and psychological support to improve recovery.
- **Hydration:** Ensuring adequate fluid intake is vital to combat dehydration, a common issue in burn patients due to fluid loss through damaged skin. - **Nutritional Support:** Proper nutrition, including protein and vitamin intake, supports healing and overall health. - **Comfort and Support:** Providing emotional support helps alleviate anxiety and stress associated with painful burns.
Effective patient care ensures patients receive comprehensive and compassionate treatment, supporting successful recovery.

Pain Management

Pain management is a crucial element in treating burns due to the intense discomfort they can cause. Proper pain control not only enhances comfort but also improves healing outcomes.

• **Analgesics:** Medication, such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be prescribed to relieve pain.
• **Topical Pain Relievers:** These can be applied directly to the wound for targeted pain relief.
• **Non-Pharmaceutical Options:** Techniques such as distraction, relaxation exercises, and applying cool compresses can supplement medical pain relief.

Managing pain effectively allows patients to focus on recovery and reduces potential complications related to stress and discomfort.