What is the priority nursing assessment for a patient with significant burns?

For a patient with significant burns, assessing airway patency and breathing patterns is the priority nursing assessment due to the potential for airway compromise. Burns, especially those that are electrical, chemical, or that involve facial or neck areas, can lead to swelling and may obstruct the airway. Inhalation injuries are also a significant risk when burns occur in enclosed spaces or if the patient has been exposed to smoke or toxic fumes.

Identifying any changes in the patient's breathing patterns, such as stridor, wheezing, or difficulty in breathing, is crucial, as these can indicate airway edema or obstruction that needs immediate intervention. Early recognition and treatment in such cases can prevent respiratory failure, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the burn population.

While monitoring vital signs, evaluating pain levels, and inspecting wound healing progress are all important aspects of care, ensuring that the airway is open and that the patient can breathe effectively takes precedence in the face of potential life-threatening complications associated with severe burns.