Question

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a school-age child who has sustained a minor superficial burn from fireworks on their forearm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Apply ice directly to the burn.
B. Use a sterile dressing to cover the burn.
C. Pop any blisters that have formed.
D. Administer oral pain medication immediately.

Answer 1

For a minor superficial burn, the nurse should use a sterile dressing to cover the burn to protect it and prevent infection, avoiding direct ice application, popping blisters, or immediate oral pain medication (Option B).

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a school-age child who has sustained a minor superficial burn from fireworks on their forearm, the nurse should use a sterile dressing to cover the burn.

Applying ice directly to the burn (A), popping any blisters that have formed (C), or administering oral pain medication immediately (D) are not the recommended first steps for this situation.

The priority is to prevent infection and further damage to the tissue.

Therefore, applying a sterile dressing helps protect the burn and maintains a clean environment as it heals.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B.