The critical care nurse is planning care for a patient with 25% burn injuries. Which of the following does the nurse recognize as complications for this patient that need to be considered in the plan of care? Directions for drag and drop: Click your answer choice from the possible answers box on the left and drag to the Selected Answers box on the right.

A. Impaired mobility: Burn injuries, especially involving joints or large surface areas, can lead to contractures, pain, and decreased range of motion. Immobility increases the risk of muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, making early mobility and physical therapy essential in the plan of care. B. Delayed wound healing: Extensive burns compromise skin integrity and the body’s immune and regenerative processes. Factors such as fluid loss, infection risk, and nutritional deficiencies can slow epithelialization, so strategies to promote optimal wound healing must be included in care planning. C. Hypothermia: Large burn areas disrupt the skin’s thermoregulatory function, leading to excessive heat loss. Patients are at high risk for hypothermia, which can exacerbate metabolic demand, impair immune function, and complicate fluid and electrolyte management, making temperature monitoring and maintenance critical. D. Respiratory distress: Burns, especially those involving the chest, face, or inhalation injuries, can cause airway edema, carbon monoxide exposure, or inhalation of toxic fumes. Early recognition and management of respiratory compromise, including supplemental oxygen or intubation if necessary, are vital to prevent life-threatening complications. E. Infection: Loss of the protective skin barrier and immunosuppression due to burn shock increases susceptibility to bacterial colonization and sepsis. Infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in burn patients, requiring strict aseptic techniques, wound care, and surveillance. F. Vomiting: While vomiting may occur in some patients due to pain, medications, or stress, it is not a direct or common complication of burn injuries. It is considered a secondary concern and does not generally drive the initial plan of care for burn management.