OverviewFrostbite is freezing of the skin and tissues below the skin. It occurs when someone is exposed to freezing temperatures for too long. Frostbite most often happens to exposed parts of the body, like the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Frostbite is described by degree, from first degree through fourth degree, based on the level of injury. Show
Treatment for frostbite includes relieving pain and quickly rewarming the frostbitten body parts (if there is no risk of the body parts freezing again). This can help prevent problems such as infection, dead tissue, or even amputation of the frozen part. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. How can you care for yourself at home?
When should you call for help?Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter H978 in the search box to learn more about "Frostbite: Care Instructions". Med Surg II ch.63In the event of poisoning, what is the priority intervention? Most cases of food poisoning can be attributed to which factor? Which symptoms of severe airway obstruction would prompt a nurse to intervene and activate anemergency response? Select all that apply. The nurse is assessing a victim of a motor vehicle accident in the emergency department. Whichsymptom would alert the nurse that the patient may be going into hemorrhagic shock? In disaster situations, which is a correct statement regarding the purpose of Health Insurance Portabilityand Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rules? The student nurse is caring for a patient who develops epistaxis. Which initial intervention demonstratesa knowledge of the patient care given for epistaxis? Death of a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning usually occurs when the carbon monoxide bound withhemoglobin exceeds which value? A patient is recovering from abdominal surgery. While assisting the patient to a chair, a ripping sound isheard and the nurse can see loops of bowel through the incision when the bandage is pulled back. Thenurse helps the patient back to bed and covers the wound with a sterile saline dressing. The nurse callsthe health care provider to report which event?A 5-year-old patient is admitted to the emergency department with a compound fracture of the left arm after falling out of a tree. Which signs of injury would the nurse expect? A pregnant woman is choking. She is responsive but clutching her neck, is unable to speak or cough, andhas no air exchange. Firm thrusts need to be delivered by standing behind the woman and positioningthe hands in which manner? What is the immediate treatment for external bleeding? The nurse is teaching a community class at a junior high school on first aid care of a fracture. Whichstatement by a student demonstrates understanding of the material presented? The licensed practical nurse (LPN) arrives at an accident scene. The victim is screaming loudly, and hisclothes are on fire. What would be the first nursing intervention for this patient? The nurse is a first responder to the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Which symptom would alert thenurse to a possible basilar skull fracture? Which interventions would the nurse perform while caring for a patient with frostbite?Nursing priorities focus on rewarming the extremities and performing hourly neurovascular and vital-sign checks, ECG monitoring, and neurologic assessments. To limit further injury, you perform wound care, cleaning the affected areas and applying an antimicrobial ointment to help prevent infection.
Which intervention would the nurse perform for a patient who presents with frostbite on the right toe?Soak frostbitten fingers, toes or other extremities in warm water — 105 to 110 F (about 40 to 43 C). If a thermometer isn't available, test the water by placing an uninjured hand or elbow in it — it should feel very warm, not hot.
What rewarming technique does the nurse use for partial thickness to full thickness frostbite injury?Rewarming can be accomplished by soaking the affected area in warm (not hot) water for 15 to 30 minutes. Rewarming using heat sources such as stoves or heating pads should be avoided, as these can lead to burns.
Which part of the body is most vulnerable to frostbite in a superficial injury?Superficial frostbite, as seen here on the tip of a finger, is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues.
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