Final answer:
A burn injury to the facial area can lead to swelling of the respiratory tissues, potentially causing suffocation, which is true. Swelling within the airways can hinder breathing, posing a serious risk to the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, burn injury to the facial area can indeed put the patient at risk of suffocation as the burned tissue swells. This type of injury can damage the delicate respiratory passages, potentially leading to edema, or swelling, which can block airways and hinder breathing. This is similar to the body's reaction to a strong and fast response to an allergen, where swelling in the throat can occur rapidly, ultimately leading to difficulty breathing and possibly death if not quickly addressed. In addition to the immediate risk of suffocation, other concerns for burn victims include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and increased susceptibility to infection due to the loss of protection from intact skin layers.