Final answer:
During the emergent phase of burn care, the client is at risk for developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which is a life-threatening condition that can occur in severe burn patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the emergent phase of burn care, the client is at risk for developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
ARDS is a life-threatening condition that can occur in severe burn patients due to the loss of protection by intact layers of skin, making the burned skin extremely susceptible to bacteria and other pathogens. This can lead to an infection and subsequent inflammation in the lungs, causing respiratory distress.
In this case, the patient's symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, wheezing, and labored breathing, along with the presence of soot in the mouth and nose, are indicative of ARDS.