Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In a patient with burn injuries and cough with carbonaceous particles, what should be the priority during evaluation?

1. Perform a medical history

2. Assess the patient for respiratory distress

3. Evaluate the patient for asthma and atopy

4. Use the Rule of Nines

The correct answer is: Assess the patient for respiratory distress

Assessing the patient for respiratory distress is crucial in this scenario because burn injuries, especially those involving inhalation of smoke or carbonaceous particles, can lead to airway obstruction or compromise. Inhalation injuries can cause significant damage to the respiratory tract, leading to immediate or progressive respiratory distress, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Prioritizing the assessment for respiratory distress helps to ensure that any early signs of airway compromise—such as difficulty breathing, stridor, or changes in oxygen saturation—are identified and managed quickly. This includes being vigilant for symptoms like wheezing, increased work of breathing, or altered mental status, which can indicate a need for immediate intervention, such as oxygen therapy or airway management. While performing a medical history, evaluating for asthma and atopy, and using the Rule of Nines are all important components of the overall assessment and management of burn injuries, they do not take precedence over the immediate evaluation of the patient's respiratory status. Given the context of carbonaceous particle inhalation, respiratory function must be prioritized to safeguard the airway and prevent complications.