Which of the following first-aid measures needs to be followed for third-degree burns?

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 shift 1st

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 shift 1st

Explanation

Third-degree burns cause significant inflammation and fluid leakage into the surrounding tissues, leading to severe swelling (edema).
Elevating the burned limb above the level of the heart uses gravity to assist venous and lymphatic drainage.
This action helps reduce the accumulation of fluid, which in turn minimizes tissue pressure, alleviates pain, and can prevent complications like compartment syndrome.

Option B: Applying ointments, butter, or toothpaste is contraindicated. These substances can trap heat, increase the risk of infection, and must be painfully scrubbed off by medical staff before proper treatment.
Option C: Adhesive bandages will stick to the raw, damaged tissue of a burn. Removing the bandage would tear the skin, causing extreme pain and worsening the injury.
Option D: Clothing that is melted or stuck to the skin has become integrated with the damaged tissue. Pulling it off will cause avulsion, tearing away skin and flesh, leading to a more severe injury and increased risk of infection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain First-Aid for Third-Degree Burns as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role in pre-hospital burn care is to stop the burning process, prevent further injury, and prepare the patient for transport. Correct first aid significantly impacts patient outcomes.
Nurses must educate the public and patients to avoid common myths like applying butter or toothpaste, as these actions are harmful and complicate medical treatment.
In a clinical setting, a nurse assessing a burn must immediately check for circumferential burns on limbs or the torso, as swelling can cut off circulation, requiring an urgent escharotomy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject: first-aid for third-degree burns. Recall that third-degree burns are severe, full-thickness injuries.
Evaluate each option based on the principles of emergency care: 'Do no harm,' prevent infection, and manage life-threatening issues.
Analyze Option A: Elevating a limb is a standard procedure to reduce swelling. This is a helpful, non-harmful action.
Analyze Option B: Applying foreign substances like ointments or food products is a well-known 'don't' in first aid as it traps heat and increases infection risk. Eliminate this option.
Analyze Option C: An adhesive bandage would stick to the wound, causing further trauma on removal. This is harmful. Eliminate this option.
Analyze Option D: Removing stuck clothing would tear the skin. This is also harmful. Eliminate this option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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