A nurse assesses bilateral wheezes in a client with burn injuries inside the mouth. Four hours later the wheezing is no longer heard. Which action should the nurse take?
a. Document the findings and reassess in 1 hour.
b. Loosen any constrictive dressings on the chest.
c. Raise the head of the bed to a semi-Fowler's position.
d. Gather appropriate equipment and prepare for an emergency airway.
ANS: D
Clients with severe inhalation injuries may sustain such progressive obstruction that they may lose effective movement of air. When this occurs, wheezing is no longer heard, and neither are breath sounds. These clients can lose their airways very quickly, so prompt action is needed. The client requires establishment of an emergency airway. Swelling usually precludes intubation. The other options do not address this emergency situation.
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