A patient with suspected inhalation injury has hoarseness and singed nasal hair. What is the nurse's first action?

A. Apply antibiotic ointment to nares: Topical antibiotic application does not address airway compromise. Inhalation injuries can rapidly progress to airway obstruction due to edema, and ointment use does not prevent this complication. B. Prepare for early intubation: Hoarseness and singed nasal hair indicate thermal injury to the upper airway and risk of progressive edema. Early intubation is critical to secure the airway before swelling makes intubation difficult or impossible, preventing respiratory failure. Prompt airway management is the highest priority. C. Administer antibiotics: Antibiotics are not indicated for thermal airway injury unless there is evidence of infection. They do not prevent airway obstruction or address the acute threat of hypoxia in inhalation injury. D. Initiate inhalation treatments: Inhalation therapies such as bronchodilators may relieve bronchospasm but do not secure a compromised airway. They are supportive interventions and do not replace the urgent need for airway protection in the setting of upper airway edema.