The physician has ordered dressings with Sulfamylon cream for a client with full-thickness burns of the hands and arms. Before dressing changes, the nurse should give priority to:
A. Administering pain medication
B. Checking the adequacy of urinary output
C. Requesting a daily complete blood count
D. Obtaining a blood glucose by finger stick
Correct Answer: A. Administering pain medication
Option A: Sulfamylon produces a painful sensation when applied to the burn wound; therefore, the client should receive pain medication before dressing changes.
Options B, C, and D: These do not pertain to dressing changes for the client with burns, so they are incorrect.