In the ED, you would first see the client who has which finding after rescue from a burning bus?

• A. Soot on face and the nares and is coughing
• B. Chest pain
• C. Minor burn on the arm
• D. Anxious but breathing normally

Answer: (A)

Airway management is the top priority when someone has been rescued from a fire. Soot on the face and nares with coughing signals inhalation injury and potential airway edema, which can rapidly progress to obstruction. That combination indicates the airway may be compromised now or soon, so assessing and securing the airway takes precedence. The other findings—chest pain, a small burn on the arm, or anxiety with normal breathing—do not indicate an immediate threat to the airway in the same urgent way, though they still need evaluation after airway concerns are addressed.