PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What finding would indicate adequate fluid resuscitation in a patient with burns?

1. Granulation tissue is present

2. Urine output is 50 mL/hr

3. Lung sounds are clear

4. Oxygen saturation is 95%

The correct answer is: Urine output is 50 mL/hr

Adequate fluid resuscitation in a patient with burns is primarily assessed through monitoring urine output. A urine output of 50 mL/hr indicates sufficient kidney perfusion and effective fluid status, which are critical indicators of overall fluid resuscitation success. In burn management, it is essential to maintain an adequate flow of fluids to prevent complications such as shock and organ injury. The standard guideline suggests that a urine output of 30 to 50 mL/hr is a target for fluid resuscitation in adults. Therefore, achieving a urine output of 50 mL/hr is a positive sign that the patient is receiving the necessary fluids to maintain organ function and overall stability following a burn. Other options, such as granulation tissue presence, clear lung sounds, or an oxygen saturation of 95%, may show improvements in a patient's condition but do not specifically correlate with the immediate effectiveness of fluid resuscitation. Granulation tissue indicates healing but is not an acute marker of fluid status; lung sounds and oxygen saturation can reveal respiratory status but are not direct measures of fluid resuscitation adequacy.