The patient is brought to the emergency department following a fire in his home. The nurse notes that the patient has singed facial hair and soot on his face. He is mildly tachypneic, his lung sounds are clear and equal, and the nurse notes pronounced stridor. His oxygen saturation is 90% on room air. Patient also complains of a sore throat and severe pain in his arms and hands, which have about 50% of their area covered by burns. Which of the following is the next best step in management?

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Prepare for endotracheal intubation. The patient has evidence of smoke inhalation and airway damage (i.e. singed facial hair, soot on face, sore throat). Therefore, the nurse should prepare for endotracheal intubation as maintaining the patient&rsquo;s airway always takes priority.  Due to edema formation after a smoke inhalation injury, there may only be a narrow window during which the patient can be successfully intubated. Once the patient&rsquo;s airway is stabilized, fluid resuscitation can begin, pain management can be instituted, and the wounds can be cleansed and dressed.

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