ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse in a burn treatment center is caring for a client who is admitted with severe burns to both lower extremities and is scheduled for an escharotomy. The client's spouse asks the nurse what the procedure entails. Which of the following nursing statements is appropriate?

  • A. Skin grafting will be done to replace damaged tissue.
  • B. Large incisions will be made in the eschar to improve circulation.
  • C. This is a procedure to remove dead tissue from the burn area.
  • D. Escharotomy is the removal of the burned area and will not improve circulation.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Large incisions will be made in the eschar to improve circulation. Escharotomy involves making incisions through the eschar (dead tissue) to relieve constriction and improve circulation in the burned area. By performing escharotomy, blood flow is restored, reducing the risk of compartment syndrome and tissue necrosis.

Choice A is incorrect because skin grafting is a separate procedure done to replace damaged tissue, not part of an escharotomy. Choice C is incorrect as it describes debridement, not escharotomy. Choice D is incorrect since escharotomy aims to improve circulation rather than remove the burned area entirely.