A child's arm is burned from accidentally spilling boiling water on it, and the parent calls the clinic. The nearest emergency department is an hour away. Which instructions would be appropriate to give the parent? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Proper emergency care immediately following a burn can prevent infection, hypothermia, and further tissue damage. Once the source of the burn is contained, the nurse teaches the client home care that can be given prior to arrival to the emergency department. Client teaching includes: Soak area briefly in cool water to stop the burning process (Option B). Remove any clothing or jewelry around the burn to avoid constriction as edema develops. This also allows for quick assessment of the burn by clinicians. Only a health care provider may remove clothing that is stuck to the burned area (Option E). Cover with a clean, dry cloth to prevent contamination, further trauma, and hypothermia (Option C). (Option A) Medications should not be applied to a burn until prescribed by a health care provider as they may interfere with assessment of the burned area. (Option D) Placing ice on a burn or wrapping the area in ice can increase tissue damage and may cause hypothermia with large burns. No ice, ointments, creams, or butter should be placed on the open skin. Educational objective: Caring for a burn in the home setting includes gently soaking the area with cool water; removing clothing or jewelry if not stuck to the skin; covering the affected area with clean, dry cloth/bandages; and avoiding application of medication or substances to the wound.

A Child's Arm Is Burned from Accidentally Spilling Boiling Water