A young child has sustained a minor burn to the foot. Which is ...

[Garrulous]

A young child has sustained a minor burn to the foot. Which is recommended for treatment of a minor burn?
 
  a. Apply ice to foot.
  b. Apply cortisone ointment.
  c. Apply an occlusive dressing.
  d. Cleanse the wound with a mild soap and tepid water.

Question 2

Which explains physiologically the edema formation that occurs with burns?
 
  a. Vasoconstriction
  b. Decreased capillary permeability
  c. Increased capillary permeability
  d. Decreased hydrostatic pressure within capillaries

[akemokai]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
In minor burns, the best method of treatment is to cleanse the wound with a mild soap and tepid water. Ice is not recommended. Most practitioners favor covering the wound with an antimicrobial ointment (not cortisone) to reduce the risk of infection and to provide some form of pain relief. The dressing is not occlusive but consists of nonadherent fine-mesh gauze placed over the ointment and a light wrap of gauze dressing that avoids interference with movement. This helps keep the wound clean and protects it from trauma.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
With a major burn, an increase in capillary permeability occurs, allowing plasma proteins, fluids, and electrolytes to be lost. Maximal edema in a small wound occurs about 8 to 12 hours after injury. In larger injuries, the maximal edema may not occur until 18 to 24 hours. Vasoconstriction, decreased capillary permeability, and decreased hydrostatic pressure within capillaries are not physiologic mechanisms for edema formation in burn patients.