WorksheetsUnderstanding Burns in Nursing Care
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 8mins
A patient arrives at the emergency department with burns covering the anterior torso and both arms. Using the Rule of Nines, estimate the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) affected and explain your reasoning.
27%; anterior torso (18%) + one arm (9%)
36%; anterior torso (18%) + both arms (18%)
45%; anterior torso (27%) + both arms (18%)
54%; anterior torso (36%) + both arms (18%)
A 30-year-old patient presents with a burn injury that is dry, red, and painful, but blisters are absent. Based on the characteristics, reason which type of burn this is and justify your answer.
Superficial (first-degree) burn
Deep partial-thickness (second-degree) burn
Full-thickness (third-degree) burn
Electrical burn
A patient with extensive burns is at risk for hypovolemic shock. Using evidence-based protocols, plan the initial fluid resuscitation strategy and explain your choice.
Administer oral fluids as tolerated
Use the Parkland formula: 4 mL×body weight (kg)×TBSA (%) in first 24 hours
Give only maintenance IV fluids
Delay fluids until urine output decreases
A child presents with burns on the face, hands, and perineum. Strategically reason which factors make these burns more severe and require specialized care.
Location increases risk of functional impairment and infection
Burns are less severe due to smaller area
Child’s age reduces risk of complications
Only the depth of burn matters
A patient with a full-thickness burn is experiencing severe pain. Using strategic thinking, select the most appropriate pain management approach and justify your choice.
Oral acetaminophen only
IV opioids with adjunctive non-pharmacological methods
Topical lidocaine cream
No pain management needed for full-thickness burns
A patient with chemical burns from an unknown substance arrives at the clinic. Plan the initial assessment and management steps, providing reasoning for each action.
Irrigate with water, remove contaminated clothing, assess airway
Apply ointment immediately
Wait for substance identification before treatment
Cover burn with dry dressing only
A patient with circumferential burns to the lower leg is at risk for vascular compromise. Strategically determine the best assessment technique and explain your reasoning.
Monitor capillary refill and distal pulses frequently
Only assess pain level
Rely on visual inspection alone
Wait for signs of necrosis before intervening
A patient with partial-thickness burns is anxious and in pain. Using evidence and reasoning, plan a multimodal pain management strategy.
Use only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Combine opioids, NSAIDs, and psychological support
Rely solely on distraction techniques
Avoid pain medications to prevent addiction
A patient with electrical burns is admitted. Strategically reason which additional assessments are necessary compared to thermal burns and justify your answer.
Cardiac monitoring for arrhythmias
Only assess skin damage
Ignore internal injuries
Focus on pain management only
A patient with burns develops signs of infection. Using strategic thinking, plan the steps for assessment and management.
Assess wound, obtain cultures, start appropriate antibiotics
Only change dressings more frequently
Wait for fever before acting
Use topical antibiotics only
A patient with facial burns is having difficulty breathing. Using reasoning and planning, determine the priority interventions.
Secure airway, provide oxygen, prepare for intubation
Apply cold compresses to face
Give oral pain medication
Wait for swelling to subside
A patient with burns is at risk for hypothermia. Strategically plan nursing interventions to prevent this complication and explain your choices.
Use warm IV fluids, cover with clean dry sheets, maintain warm environment
Leave wounds exposed to air
Use ice packs on burns
Avoid covering patient to prevent infection
A patient with extensive burns is showing signs of psychological distress. Using evidence and reasoning, plan a comprehensive approach to address their mental health needs.
Provide psychological support, involve mental health professionals, encourage family involvement
Focus only on physical healing
Avoid discussing emotional issues
Use sedatives exclusively
A patient with burns is scheduled for wound debridement. Strategically plan pre-procedure pain management and explain your reasoning.
Administer IV analgesics and anxiolytics before procedure
Use only topical anesthetics
No pain management needed
Wait until patient requests pain relief
A patient with burns is receiving fluid resuscitation. Using reasoning and planning, determine how to assess the effectiveness of this intervention.
Monitor urine output, vital signs, and mental status
Rely only on patient’s thirst
Assess skin color only
Wait for signs of dehydration
