What should be the nurse's priority for a patient arriving after a house fire with facial burns, singed nasal hairs, and hoarseness of voice?
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Correct answer: Assess for inhalation injury and prepare for early airway protection or intubation
Facial burns, singed nasal hairs, hoarseness, and enclosed-space exposure are high-risk for airway compromise; early airway assessment and potential intubation are critical before edema closes the airway.
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