Burns and Temperature Extremes Flashcards

A coworker has been working outside on a hot, humid day and is now confused, has hot, red, dry skin, and a rapid pulse. What is the most appropriate IMMEDIATE action after calling for emergency help?

Answer: Aggressively cool the person by spraying with cool water and fanning them.

The signs described (confusion, hot, red, dry skin) are classic indicators of heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency. The immediate priority is to lower the person's body temperature as quickly as possible. Aggressive cooling methods like spraying with cool water and fanning are recommended. Giving fluids is contraindicated if the person is confused or losing consciousness, and simply resting in the shade is not a sufficiently rapid cooling method for heat stroke. Covering with a blanket would trap heat and worsen the condition.

You are providing first aid to someone with frostbite on their fingers. The fingers are white, hard, and numb. Which of the following is a recommended action?

Answer: Soak the fingers in warm water (around 100-105°F or 37-40°C) for 20-30 minutes.

The correct treatment for frostbite is to rewarm the affected area gently. Soaking in warm water (not hot) is the preferred method. Rubbing the area can cause significant tissue damage. Using intense, dry heat like a heating pad or fire can cause burns because the person has no sensation in the area. Applying more cold, like snow, will worsen the injury.

A person has sustained a large third-degree burn on their forearm. The area appears white and leathery, and they state they feel no pain in the center of the burn. What is the correct first aid treatment?

Answer: Cover the burn loosely with a dry, sterile dressing.

For a severe, third-degree burn, the primary goal is to prevent infection and not cause further damage. The burn should be covered with a dry, sterile (or clean) dressing to protect it. Cooling with water is not recommended for large, severe burns as it can lead to hypothermia. Ointments, butter, or ice should never be applied as they can trap heat, cause infection, and interfere with later medical treatment.

While working in a lab, a coworker splashes a chemical into their eye. What is the FIRST and most critical action to take?

Answer: Immediately flush the eye with large amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15-20 minutes.

For a chemical burn to the eye, the immediate priority is to dilute and remove the chemical. This is best accomplished by flushing the eye continuously with large amounts of lukewarm tap water or saline for at least 15-20 minutes. Attempting to neutralize the chemical can cause a heat reaction and further damage. Covering the eye traps the chemical against it, and blinking is insufficient to remove the substance.

Which of the following best describes the signs of hypothermia?

Answer: Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness.

Hypothermia is a condition where the body's core temperature drops dangerously low. The signs and symptoms reflect the body's struggle to stay warm and the effect of cold on the brain, including shivering (in early stages), confusion, slurred speech, and progressing to drowsiness. High fever is a sign of hyperthermia (overheating), muscle spasms are related to heat cramps, and red, blistered skin is characteristic of a second-degree burn.

A child touches a hot stove, resulting in a burn on their hand that is red, painful, and has formed several blisters. This type of burn is best classified as:

Answer: Second-degree

The presence of blisters is the key indicator of a second-degree (partial-thickness) burn. First-degree burns are red and painful but do not have blisters. Third-degree burns are deeper, destroying all layers of skin, and may appear white or charred with little to no pain. 'Superficial' is another term for a first-degree burn.