Nursing Actions
Rationale
Assess and monitor vital signs and note for the capillary refill and strength of pulses.
– It provides as baseline data for fluid replacement therapy.
Monitor urinary output of client.
– Fluid replacement should be adjusted to ensure average urinary output of 30 – 50 cc/ hour.
Assess for the estimate of wound drainage and insensible loss.
-Increased capillary permeability, protein shifts and inflammatory process greatly affect the circulatory volume and urine output.
Strictly document the amount and type fluid used during replacement therapy.
-Ensures accuracy and effectiveness of fluid replacement therapy.
Weigh client daily.
-A 15% – 20% weight gain within 72 hours can be expected, which will return to preborn weight after 10 days in approximation.
Investigate changes in mentation.
-Decrease in LOC may indicate inadequate cerebral perfusion.
Observe for presence of gastric distention, hematemesis, and tarry stools.
-Stress ulcer occurs in up to half of all severely burned clients, which happens usually in the first week.
Insert and maintain an indwelling catheter as indicated.
-This allows close observation of renal functions and prevents urinary retention.
Insert and maintain large bore IV cannula.
– To accommodate large and rapid infusion of fluids.
Administer intravenous fluids as indicated or as needed.
– It helps prevent fluid deficit and any loss should be replacement effectively.
Monitor laboratory results like hemoglobin, hematocrit, and electrolyte levels.
– It could aid in determining blood loss or RBC destruction as well as the need for electrolyte replacements.
Administer medications like diuretics, potassium, and antacids.
– Diuretics are given to enhance urinary output; potassium is administered for replacement of large fluid losses; and antacids, to reduce gastric acidity.