For a patient with burns covering 25% TBSA, what priority intervention would a nurse focus on?

The priority intervention for a patient with burns covering 25% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) is to monitor for signs of infection during dressing changes. This is crucial because patients with significant burns are at a high risk for infection due to the loss of the protective skin barrier, which serves as the body's first line of defense against pathogens. Burn wounds can quickly become colonized by bacteria, leading to serious complications such as sepsis if not monitored and managed appropriately.

Maintaining strict aseptic technique during dressing changes, closely observing for any changes in the wound's appearance, odor, and the presence of exudate, are essential nursing responsibilities. These observations will help in early identification of infection, allowing for timely interventions such as initiating antibiotic therapy or adjusting treatment plans.

While reapplying dressings, applying cool compresses, and washing the wound are also important aspects of burn care, they do not address the immediate concerns related to infection control in patients with extensive burns. Monitoring signs of infection is crucial to the patient's overall recovery and to prevent severe complications.