A nurse in an emergency room is caring for a client who sustained partial-thickness burns to both lower legs, chest, face, and both forearms. Which of the following is the priority action the nurse should take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries. This is the priority action because inhalation injuries can be life-threatening due to airway compromise. The nurse should assess for soot in the mouth, facial burns, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. This allows for prompt intervention if respiratory distress is present.
A: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority as it does not address the immediate life-threatening issue.
C: Administering pain medication is important but not the priority over assessing for inhalation injuries which could lead to respiratory distress.
D: Drawing blood for a CBC count is not the priority as it does not address the immediate threat to the client's airway.