Final answer:
The priority intervention for a client with a deep, full-thickness burn over the legs in the ED is to give an IV bolus of normal saline. This is to replace lost fluids and prevent complications such as dehydration and shock. Other treatments like analgesia, antibiotics, and tetanus immunization are also necessary but secondary to fluid resuscitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon a client arriving in the Emergency Department (ED) with a deep, full-thickness burn over the anterior surface of both upper legs, the priority intervention for the nurse should be to give an IV bolus of normal saline. This initial step is critical in treating a burn patient because burns can lead to massive fluid loss, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure, which can sometimes be fatal. Therefore, the immediate administration of IV fluids is necessary to replace lost fluids and prevent shock.
Although IV analgesia, IV antibiotics, and tetanus immunization are important elements in the management of burn injuries, they follow initial fluid resuscitation in terms of priority. Pain management with IV analgesia will be needed due to the severe nature of the burns. Anticipating the risk of infection, which is high in burn patients, IV antibiotics may be administered thereafter. Tetanus immunization could be considered, especially if wound contamination is suspected or the patient's immunization status is not current. However, stabilization of the patient with fluid resuscitation remains the first and foremost intervention.