What should the nurse assess first when caring for a client with a circumferential burn?

When caring for a client with a circumferential burn, the first assessment the nurse should conduct is the radial pulse. Circumferential burns can create a tourniquet effect, leading to reduced circulation to the extremities. Assessing the radial pulse helps determine whether blood flow is compromised in the area affected by the burn. If the pulse is weak or absent, it may indicate inadequate perfusion, which is a critical situation requiring immediate intervention.

Prompt assessment of the radial pulse is vital because any compromise in circulation can have rapid consequences, including the risk of ischemia and tissue necrosis. While evaluating capillary refill time, skin temperature, and blood pressure are important, they are second to checking the radial pulse, which directly assesses the adequacy of blood flow to the extremities in the context of circumferential burns.