Question

The nurse is assessing an older adult who is living with his son's family. The client has scald burns on the hands and both forearms (10% first- and second-degree burns). The nurse should first:

A. Cleanse the wounds with warm water.
B. Apply antibiotic cream.
C. Call for transport to a hospital.
D. Cover the burns with sterile dressing.

Answer 1

The nurse should first cleanse the burns with warm water and then cover them with a sterile dressing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should first cleanse the wounds with warm water.

In the case described, the client has scald burns on the hands and forearms. The initial step in managing burns is to cool the burn area with cool (not cold) running water for about 10-20 minutes or until the pain subsides. This helps to stop the burning process, minimize tissue damage, and reduce pain. Warm water is typically used to cleanse the wounds as it is gentle and less likely to cause further injury.

After cleansing the wounds with warm water, the nurse should then cover the burns with a sterile dressing to protect the area from contamination and promote healing.