The practical nurse (PN) receives a report of a stable client who experienced partial burn thickness over 30% burns body surface area (BSA) 3 days ago. Which complication is most important for the PN to anticipate?

The correct answer is Choice D Choice A: Excruciating pain Rationale: While partial thickness burns can be painful, especially in the first few days, excruciating pain is less likely for a stable patient 3 days post-burn. Pain management is a crucial aspect of burn care, but excruciating pain might indicate deeper burns or complications like infection. Choice B: Elevated blood pressure Rationale: Elevated blood pressure is not a typical complication of a partial thickness burn. In fact, burn patients are more at risk for hypotension (low blood pressure) due to fluid loss. Choice C: Compartment syndrome Rationale: Compartment syndrome is a serious complication that typically occurs with deep burns or traumatic injuries. It's caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, restricting blood flow and potentially leading to tissue death. While a possibility, it's less likely for a partial thickness burn 3 days after the injury. Choice D: Curling's Ulcer Rationale: Curling's ulcer is a peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer) that can develop as a complication of major burns. This is because burns trigger a massive inflammatory response, releasing stress hormones that increase stomach acid production, making the stomach lining more susceptible to ulcers. Given the extensive burn area (30% TBSA) and the timeframe (3 days post-burn), Curling's ulcer becomes a significant concern. Therefore, the correct answer is: Choice D: Curling's Ulcer Explanation: A 30% TBSA partial thickness burn is a significant injury that triggers a systemic inflammatory response. Three days post-burn falls within the timeframe when Curling's ulcer can develop due to the increased stress hormones and gastric acid production. While pain management and monitoring for compartment syndrome are important, Curling's ulcer poses a more significant threat in this scenario.