Final answer:
The nurse should use an antimicrobial ointment on the minor superficial burn to keep the site clean and sterile, aiding in healing and preventing infection. Ice packs should be avoided, and the burn should not be left open to air.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse in an emergency department caring for a school-age child with a superficial minor burn from fireworks should take several appropriate steps to ensure proper healing and infection prevention. The most suitable action from the provided options would be to use an antimicrobial ointment on the affected area. This helps in keeping the burn site clean and sterile, therefore aiding in the healing process and preventing any potential infection, similar to other skin trauma cases mentioned in the clinical focus scenarios. It is crucial to avoid placing an ice pack directly on the burn area as this can cause further tissue damage. Instead, cool water can be applied to relieve pain. Leaving the burn area open to air might delay healing and increase the risk of infection. Lastly, administering a tetanus toxoid booster is only recommended if the patient has not received a dose in the last 5 years, and the wound is neither clean nor minor, which is not the case described here.