ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

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?

  • A. Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries
  • B. Administer pain medication
  • C. Place the client on oxygen therapy
  • D. Start an intravenous line
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries. This is the priority action because inhalation injuries can be life-threatening and must be assessed immediately in burn patients. Burns to the face and chest increase the risk of inhalation injuries due to the proximity to the airway. Administering pain medication, placing the client on oxygen therapy, and starting an IV line are important interventions but inspecting the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries takes precedence in this situation to ensure the client's airway is not compromised.