Question

If a patient has severe burns over more than half of the body and the burning process has been stopped, which of the following should be the next step in their treatment?

A) Apply ice packs to the burns
B) Cover the burns with a sterile cloth
C) Administer pain relief medication
D) Seek immediate medical attention

Answer 1

The correct next step for a patient with severe burns over more than half the body is to seek immediate medical attention (D) to manage the associated health risks and support healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient has severe burns over more than half of the body and the burning process has been stopped, the next step in their treatment should be to seek immediate medical attention. Severe burns, particularly those covering a large portion of the body, require professional medical care to manage the risks associated with the burns, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, potential renal and circulatory failure, and the high risk of infection. Patients with severe burns are often treated with intravenous fluids and nutrients to support the body's healing and recovery, as well as measures to prevent infection, which is a life-threatening complication. Therefore, option D) Seek immediate medical attention would be the correct response in this case.