Identify an incorrect activity during first aid for serious burns?

WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: WCL Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

Giving a strong solution of salt and soda, or any oral fluid, is incorrect for a victim with serious burns.
Victims with burns greater than 15% of Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) should not receive oral fluids due to the risk of gastric distention, vomiting, and aspiration.
The standard of care for fluid replacement in serious burns is intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation, typically with Lactated Ringer's solution, initiated as soon as possible.
Administering a homemade salt/soda solution can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances and induce vomiting.

Option A: This is a correct and crucial part of first aid. Blisters provide a natural sterile barrier against infection and should be left intact. Treating for shock is a priority because massive fluid loss from burns can quickly lead to life-threatening burn shock.
Option B: This is a correct first aid principle. Applying ointments, creams, or home remedies like butter or toothpaste can trap heat, increase the risk of infection, and interfere with later medical assessment and treatment.
Option C: This is a correct and beneficial action. Elevating burned extremities helps to reduce the formation of edema (swelling) by using gravity to improve fluid return, which in turn can decrease pain and pressure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain First aid management for serious burns as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in educating the public on correct first aid for burns to prevent further injury and complications before the patient reaches a hospital.
In an emergency setting, a nurse's rapid assessment and adherence to correct burn care protocols (ABCs, fluid status, wound care) are critical for patient outcomes.
What if the burn was minor (e.g., first-degree, small area)? In that case, after cooling the burn, oral fluids would be safe if the person is alert. However, home remedies like salt/soda solutions are never recommended.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question is asking for an 'incorrect' activity. This means you are looking for the option that describes a harmful or wrong action.
Review each option and evaluate it based on standard first-aid principles for serious burns.
Option A: Not opening blisters and treating for shock are correct actions.
Option B: Not applying ointments is a correct action.
Option C: Elevating burned hands is a correct action.
Option D: Giving an oral solution is an incorrect action for serious burns due to the risk of aspiration and the need for IV fluids.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 691-693

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 747-749