A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 10-year old child who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest. While planning the client's care, the nurse should identify which of the following risks as the priority for assessment and intervention?

A. Paralytic ileus may occur due to shock or stress but is not the immediate priority. B. Fluid imbalance is critical but is secondary to airway patency in this case. C. Airway obstruction is the most immediate concern due to the location of the burns, which can cause swelling and compromise breathing. D. Infection risk is high with burns but is less immediate than airway maintenance.