Applying knee splints prevents leg contractures by holding the joints in a position of function.

Option B: Elevating the foot of the bed can’t prevent contractures because this action doesn’t hold the joints in a position of function.
Option C: Hyperextending a body part for an extended time is inappropriate because it can cause contractures.
Option D: Performing shoulder range-of-motion exercises can prevent contractures in the shoulders, but not in the legs.

A urine output of less than 40 ml/hour in a client with burns indicates a fluid volume deficit.

Option A: This client’s PaO2 value falls within the normal range (80 to 100 mm Hg).
Option C: White pulmonary secretions indicate the presence of large numbers of white blood cells, especially neutrophilic granulocytes.
Option D: The client’s rectal temperature isn’t significantly elevated and probably results from the fluid volume deficit.

The most important intervention to prevent pressure ulcers is frequent position changes, which relieve pressure on the skin and underlying tissues. If pressure isn’t relieved, capillaries become occluded, reducing circulation and oxygenation of the tissues and resulting in cell death and ulcer formation.

Option B: During passive ROM exercises, the nurse moves each joint through its range of movement, which improves joint mobility and circulation to the affected area but doesn’t prevent pressure ulcers.
Option C: Adequate hydration is necessary to maintain healthy skin and ensure tissue repair.
Option D: A footboard prevents plantar flexion and foot drop by maintaining the foot in a dorsiflexed position.

When applying a topical agent, the nurse should begin at the midline and use long, even, outward, and downward strokes in the direction of hair growth. This application pattern reduces the risk of follicle irritation and skin inflammation.

Option A: This type of application may contaminate the areas which are clean and irritate the skin.
Option B: An upward motion does not increase blood supply to the affected area; the goal is to reduce irritation of the skin and follicles.
Option D: The strokes should be downward in the direction of hair growth.

Beta-adrenergic blockers work by blocking beta receptors in the myocardium, reducing the response to catecholamines and sympathetic nerve stimulation. They protect the myocardium, helping to reduce the risk of another infarction by decreasing myocardial oxygen demand.

Option B: Calcium channel blockers reduce the workload of the heart by decreasing the heart rate.
Option C: Narcotics reduce myocardial oxygen demand, promote vasodilation, and decrease anxiety.
Option D: Nitrates reduce myocardial oxygen consumption but decrease left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (preload) and systemic vascular resistance (afterload).