Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest. The nurse should identify which of the following risks as the priority for assessment and intervention?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Airway obstruction is the priority due to potential edema, inflammation, or inhalation injury in burns of the head, neck, and chest, which can compromise oxygenation and lead to respiratory failure.