For a client who sustained a serious burn injury with decreased urine output, what should the nurse do immediately?

In the case of a client with a serious burn injury and decreased urine output, the most appropriate immediate action is to notify the healthcare provider. This situation is critical as decreased urine output could indicate potential complications such as dehydration, acute kidney injury, or shock, especially following a burn injury where fluid loss can be significant. Prompt communication with the healthcare provider is essential to ensure that the client receives timely intervention and appropriate treatment, which may include adjustments to IV fluid therapy, diuretics, or other medical interventions to prevent further harm.

While other options may have their place in client care, they do not address the urgency of the situation as effectively as notifying the healthcare provider. For instance, reassessing in 30 minutes might delay necessary treatment, increasing the risk of complications. Increasing IV fluids without a prescription could violate protocols and patient safety by bypassing the necessary medical oversight. Maintaining a warm environment can be important for the overall comfort and recovery of a burn patient, but it does not address the immediate concern of decreased urine output, which requires more urgent medical attention. Thus, notifying the healthcare provider is the most critical and timely action to ensure the client's safety and well-being.