A 4-year-old girl presents to the emergency department with 20% of her body surface area burned. What is the first nursing action to take?

In the case of a burn injury, the primary concern is to stop the burning process as quickly as possible. This is crucial because it minimizes further damage to the tissue and reduces the extent of the burn injury. Immediate action to remove the source of the burn—such as hot fluids, flames, or chemicals—helps to preserve skin integrity and limits potential complications.

Though covering the wound, assessing airway, breathing, and circulation, and removing clothing and jewelry are important steps in the management of burn injuries, they should follow the immediate action of halting the burning process. Addressing the burn source first ensures the patient's safety and decreases the risk of additional injury. Therefore, prioritizing this action is essential for effective first aid and subsequent treatment.