Which action would be the nurse's first priority when receiving a client with major burns?

Which action would be the nurse's first priority when receiving a client with major burns?

• A. Assessing airway patency
• B. Checking the client from head to toe
• C. Administering oxygen as needed
• D. Elevating the extremities if no fractures are noticed

Answer: (A)

Airway protection is the top priority because burns, especially with possible inhalation injury, can cause rapid swelling that blocks the airway. Checking airway patency early lets you spot signs of compromise—hoarseness, stridor, facial burns, soot in the mouth or nose, or singed hairs—and prepare for airway control, often by securing an airway with intubation if needed. Administering oxygen is important, but it assumes the airway is open; without a patent airway, oxygen won’t prevent hypoxia. A full head-to-toe assessment is valuable, but it comes after ensuring the airway is safe. Elevating extremities isn’t the immediate action unless there’s a specific injury or condition that requires it.

Airway protection is the top priority because burns, especially with possible inhalation injury, can cause rapid swelling that blocks the airway. Checking airway patency early lets you spot signs of compromise—hoarseness, stridor, facial burns, soot in the mouth or nose, or singed hairs—and prepare for airway control, often by securing an airway with intubation if needed. Administering oxygen is important, but it assumes the airway is open; without a patent airway, oxygen won’t prevent hypoxia. A full head-to-toe assessment is valuable, but it comes after ensuring the airway is safe. Elevating extremities isn’t the immediate action unless there’s a specific injury or condition that requires it.