Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What should be the immediate concern when treating a patient with circumferential burns?

1. Fluid loss

2. Infection risk

3. Airway compromise

4. Lessened mobility

The correct answer is: Airway compromise

The immediate concern when treating a patient with circumferential burns is airway compromise. Circumferential burns can cause swelling and constriction that may lead to increased pressure around the chest or limbs. This can impair respiratory function and circulation, especially if the burns are located on the torso. In cases where the chest is burned, the expansion of the lungs during breathing may be restricted, leading to inadequate ventilation and potential respiratory distress. Therefore, assessing the airway and ensuring that it remains patent is critical in the initial evaluation of a patient with circumferential burns. While fluid loss, infection risk, and lessened mobility are significant concerns in the broader management of burn patients, they do not take precedence over the immediate concern for maintaining a patent airway in the context of circumferential burns. Addressing airway concerns promptly can prevent further complications and stabilize the patient effectively.