Question

A 52-year-old diabetic male has a partial thickness burn on his left lower leg. What is the best course of action for this patient?

1) Apply a topical antibiotic and dress the wound
2) Administer intravenous antibiotics and refer to a burn specialist
3) Perform a debridement and apply a sterile dressing
4) Prescribe oral antibiotics and instruct the patient to keep the wound clean and dry

Answer 1

The optimal treatment for a diabetic patient with a partial thickness burn is to perform debridement and apply a sterile dressing, as it is crucial to remove infected tissue and prevent infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best course of action for a patient with diabetes and a partial thickness burn would be to perform a debridement and apply a sterile dressing. Diabetic individuals have a compromised immune system and are at a higher risk of infection, which means the wound must be managed with great care. The need for debridement stems from the importance of removing dead and infected tissue to prevent the spread of infection, as seen in clinical cases where a diabetic person's wound rapidly deteriorated. After debridement, the wound should be observed for any signs of infection, and if present, further steps such as antibiotic therapy or specialist care should be considered.

Performing a debridement, which involves removing dead and infected tissue, is essential in treating necrotizing fasciitis. It helps to stop the infection from spreading further and allows for further evaluation and treatment. Applying a sterile dressing afterward helps to protect the wound and promote healing.