ATI Capstone Exam Related

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A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has deep partial- and full-thickness burns to his face, chest, abdomen, and upper arms. What is the nurse’s priority intervention for this client during the resuscitation phase of injury?

  • A. Medicate for pain.
  • B. Maintain the airway.
  • C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
  • D. Initiate fluid resuscitation.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain the airway. During the resuscitation phase of burn injuries, priority is given to ensuring airway patency to prevent respiratory distress and failure. Burns to the face, chest, and abdomen can lead to airway compromise due to swelling and damage. Maintaining the airway is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Pain management (choice A) is important but not the priority in this phase. Inserting a urinary catheter (choice C) is not a priority during the resuscitation phase. Initiating fluid resuscitation (choice D) is important but only after ensuring airway patency.