Question

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

A) Apply ice directly to the burn.

B) Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth.

C) Use adhesive bandages to cover the burn.

D) Administer oral pain medication.

Answer 1

For a minor superficial burn from fireworks, the nurse should cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth to protect and prevent infection, as it is the appropriate immediate care for a first-degree burn.

Step-by-step explanation:

Caring for a Superficial Burn

In the scenario where a school-age child has sustained a minor superficial burn from fireworks, it is crucial to provide proper first aid. The correct action the nurse should take is B) Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth. Directly applying ice, using adhesive bandages, or administering oral pain medication without doctor's approval may not be appropriate first steps.

Covering the burn with a clean, dry cloth helps protect the affected area from infection and further irritation. It is also beneficial to keep the burn site clean and sterile to promote healing. For first-degree burns, such as the superficial burn described, healing usually occurs within a few days as it affects only the epidermis.

After providing initial care, monitoring for increased redness, swelling, and pain is essential because these symptoms might indicate an infection. If an infection is suspected, additional medical attention is necessary. Otherwise, natural healing should take place with minimal complication.