Question

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a toddler who has a partial thickness burns on their right arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A.Insert a nasogastiric tube
B. Initiate prophylatic antibiotic therapy.
C. Cleanse the affected area with mild soup and water.
D. Apply a topical corticosteriod to the affect area.

Answer 1

For a toddler with partial thickness burns, the nurse should clean the burn site, apply suitable dressing, administer medication for pain and infection prevention, and cover with a sterile bandage; topical corticosteroids are not recommended.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of a toddler with a partial thickness burn on their right arm, a nurse should take different steps to ensure proper healing and prevention of infection. Proper burn care involves cleaning the burn site gently, applying an appropriate dressing, and possibly using medications for pain management and to prevent infection. Topical corticosteroids, like the one mentioned in the question, are generally not recommended for burn treatment as they can interfere with the healing process.

Instead, a topical antibiotic ointment is often used to prevent or treat infection while keeping the wound moist, which is essential for healing. It is also important to keep the burned area covered with a non-stick, sterile bandage to protect the wound and promote healing. The goal of burn treatment is to maintain a clean environment, prevent infection, and manage pain.