A client who is NPO after full-thickness burns is experiencing severe thirst and has low urinary output. What should the nurse do?

In the scenario presented, the client is NPO (nothing by mouth) after full-thickness burns, which means they cannot receive any oral intake, including fluids. The symptom of severe thirst along with low urinary output suggests that the client may be experiencing dehydration due to fluid loss from the burns and not being able to take in fluids orally.

Moistening the client's lips with a wet 4 x 4 gauze provides immediate comfort and alleviates some of the intense thirst sensations without violating the NPO status. It can help keep the mucous membranes moist and provide some level of comfort, which is particularly important for a patient dealing with burn injuries and potential dehydration.

In this situation, providing any oral fluids, such as orange juice or water, would be inappropriate due to the NPO status, which is often implemented to prepare for potential surgical interventions or to prevent complications such as aspiration. Increasing the IV flow rate would be more appropriate if the nurse determines that the client needs additional fluids, but simply moistening the lips offers immediate relief while adhering to the NPO restriction.