What is the most important nursing action for a burn patient who shows signs of respiratory distress after inhalation injury?

When a burn patient exhibits signs of respiratory distress following an inhalation injury, the most critical nursing action is to anticipate the need for intubation. Inhalation injuries can lead to airway swelling and obstruction, which can compromise the patient’s ability to breathe adequately.

Recognizing that respiratory distress can quickly escalate to severe airway compromise, the nurse should be prepared for potential intubation as a means to secure the airway and ensure adequate ventilation. It's essential to have the necessary equipment and resources ready, maintaining a proactive approach to manage the patient’s respiratory status effectively.

This anticipation allows for timely intervention, which can be life-saving, especially since respiratory distress may rapidly progress. Recognizing the signs early—such as stridor, wheezing, or severe difficulty breathing—enables the healthcare team to act swiftly, potentially preventing respiratory failure.

Other actions, such as providing oxygen therapy or deep breathing exercises, are important components of respiratory care, but they do not address the immediate and critical need for maintaining a patent airway in a patient who may be at risk for significant airway compromise. Therefore, anticipating intubation stands out as the most crucial action in this scenario.