What is the highest priority nursing intervention for a client with a severe neck injury?

In the context of a severe neck injury, the highest priority nursing intervention is maintaining a patent airway. This is crucial because the neck houses essential structures that can directly impact the ability to breathe. A severe neck injury can lead to complications such as airway obstruction due to swelling, blood, or trauma that compromise the airway. Any disruption in maintaining an open airway can result in life-threatening situations, including hypoxia and respiratory failure.

While assessing for crepitus, bleeding, or performing neurological assessments are important, they fall under secondary priorities compared to airway management. If the airway is not secure, any further assessment or intervention may be rendered ineffective or could even worsen the patient's condition. Thus, ensuring that the airway remains open and functional is the foremost responsibility of nursing in this scenario.