Frostbite occurs when a body part or skin comes into contact with ______.?

Appeared in: PGIMER NO - 2020

Explanation

Frostbite is a direct tissue injury caused by exposure to temperatures at or below freezing (0°C or 32°F).
The primary mechanism of injury is the formation of ice crystals within the cells and extracellular spaces.
This process leads to cell death, severe vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), and microvascular thrombosis (clotting), resulting in tissue necrosis.
Extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and the nose are most commonly affected due to their higher susceptibility to heat loss.

Option B: Metal injury causes mechanical trauma such as lacerations or contusions. While touching extremely cold metal can accelerate heat loss and cause frostbite rapidly, the metal itself is not the primary cause; the freezing temperature is the damaging agent.
Option C: Insect venom causes a toxic or allergic reaction. The body's response can range from localized inflammation and pain to systemic reactions like anaphylaxis, but it does not involve the freezing of tissue.
Option D: Excessive heat causes thermal burns, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke. This is the opposite of a cold-induced injury like frostbite.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Etiology of Frostbite as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must educate patients on preventing frostbite by wearing appropriate, layered clothing, covering exposed skin, and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold, especially in windy or wet conditions.
A key nursing action is rapid rewarming of the affected part in a warm water bath (37–39°C) and strict avoidance of rubbing or massaging the area, which can worsen tissue damage.
Pain management is critical during the rewarming process, as the return of circulation and nerve function can be intensely painful.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Frostbite'.
Recall the definition of frostbite. It is a well-known condition related to cold.
Analyze the options based on this definition. 'Freezing cold temperatures' directly aligns with the cause of frostbite.
Evaluate the other options to confirm they are incorrect. 'Metal injury' is mechanical, 'insect venom' is toxicological, and 'excessive heat' is the opposite of cold. This process of elimination confirms the correct choice.
This is a factual recall question, so relying on the core definition of the medical term is the most direct path to the answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 pp. 703-705, 705-707

E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 186-188

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.