What nursing statement accurately describes the escharotomy procedure for a client with severe burns?

The escharotomy procedure is performed on clients with severe burns to relieve pressure and improve circulation, particularly when eschar (the dead and necrotic tissue that forms after a burn) restricts blood flow to underlying tissues. This is crucial in preventing complications such as compartment syndrome, which can occur when swelling raises pressure within muscle compartments, leading to tissue damage.

In an escharotomy, large incisions are made through the eschar to allow for the expansion of the swollen tissues, thus restoring adequate blood flow and oxygenation to the affected area. This procedure is vital in cases of full-thickness burns where the eschar becomes rigid and prevents normal skin expansion and healing.

Other options, while mentioning aspects related to burn treatment, do not accurately reflect the nature and intent of the escharotomy procedure. For example, the removal or grafting of healthy skin is a separate surgical intervention known as skin grafting, not an escharotomy. Non-surgical removal of dead tissue may refer to debridement, which is another type of treatment. Lastly, placing the client into a shower is not relevant to the escharotomy procedure; rather, it may be more associated with burn wound care in a general sense, which does not appropriately describe the