A child with a deep circumferential burn of the chest develops increasing work of breathing. Oxygen saturation is falling despite oxygen by mask. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B. Call the emergency team and support urgent airway assessment

  • A. Cover the burn tightly with an elastic bandage
  • B. Call the emergency team and support urgent airway assessment
  • C. Apply ice directly over the burned chest
  • D. Encourage the child to walk to improve ventilation

Explanation

A circumferential chest burn can restrict chest expansion as swelling and stiff eschar develop, causing respiratory compromise. Falling oxygen saturation and increased work of breathing require urgent senior assessment and preparation for advanced airway or eschar-release management, not tight dressings or ice.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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Paediatric emergencies cover rapid assessment using airway, breathing and circulation, basic life support, respiratory distress, choking, shock, seizures, poisoning, burns, severe dehydration and trauma. Questions focus on recognising danger signs, prioritising immediate nursing actions, calculating weight-based treatment and distinguishing compensated from decompensated shock.

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