An adolescent patient who sustained an inhalation injury arrives in the emergency department. On assessment of the patient, the nurse notes that the patient is very confused and combative. The nurse determines that the patient is experiencing:
Explanation
Answer - C - The nurse determines that the patient is experiencing hypoxia. After a burn injury, patients are normally alert. If a patient becomes confused or combative, hypoxia may be the cause. Hypoxia occurs after inhalation injuries and may also occur after an electrical injury. Although the patient may experience anxiety, fear, and pain, these would not be the cause of the patient’s confusion and combativeness.
