Question

Four clients arrive in the emergency department after an explosion. In which order should hey be assessed? All options must be included.

A. A 70-year-old who is complaining of a pain level of 8/10 from a hand burn
B. A 35-year-old with partial and full thickness burns to the anterior and posterior chest
C. A 25-year-old with a superficial burn to the right anterior arm and lateral chest
D. A 42-year-old with a partial-thickness burn to the anterior lower extremity and confusion

Answer 1

The order in which the clients should be assessed is: the 42-year-old with a partial-thickness burn and confusion, the 35-year-old with burns to the chest, the 70-year-old with a hand burn, and the 25-year-old with a superficial burn.

Step-by-step explanation:

1. Assess the 42-year-old with a partial-thickness burn to the anterior lower extremity and confusion first. This client may be at risk for worsening confusion due to possible inhalation injury from the explosion.
2. Assess the 35-year-old with partial and full thickness burns to the anterior and posterior chest second. These burns may affect the airway and breathing, so prompt assessment is needed.
3. Assess the 70-year-old complaining of a pain level of 8/10 from a hand burn third. Although painful, this burn is not life-threatening and can be assessed after the more critical clients.
4. Assess the 25-year-old with a superficial burn to the right anterior arm and lateral chest last. This burn is the least severe and can be assessed once the more severe burns have been addressed.