What will be the most immediate initial action by a nurse for a patient with suspected chemical burn?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Flush the site of burn with running water for 20 minutes

Rationale:

Chemical burns occur when a corrosive substance comes into contact with the skin, causing tissue damage. The most immediate priority is to remove the chemical from the skin to prevent further injury.
Flushing the site of the burn with copious amounts of running water for at least 20 minutes is the gold-standard initial treatment. This action dilutes and removes the chemical substance from the skin, thereby halting the chemical reaction and minimizing tissue damage.
The water should be clean and lukewarm, if possible, to avoid exacerbating the injury. Cold water is acceptable but may cause vasoconstriction, while hot water can aggravate the burn.
This action should be performed immediately and consistently, regardless of the type of chemical involved. However, exceptions include chemicals that react with water (e.g., dry lime or elemental metals), where specialized techniques may be required.
Once the chemical is flushed away, further medical evaluation is necessary to assess the severity of the burn and provide appropriate treatment, such as pain management or wound care.

Explanation of Other Options:

Immediately cover the exposed area

Rationale: Covering the exposed area prematurely can trap the chemical against the skin, exacerbating the burn and potentially worsening tissue damage. Before covering the area, it is critical to flush the chemical away to remove it completely.

Provide a calm environment

Rationale: While ensuring a calm environment is helpful for the patient’s emotional well-being, it does not directly address the chemical burn itself. The primary concern is the removal of the chemical from the skin, which should take precedence.

Try to know the type of chemical

Rationale: Identifying the type of chemical is important for determining further treatment strategies. However, this step is secondary to flushing the burn site. Delaying flushing to identify the chemical can result in prolonged exposure and increased tissue damage.

Conclusion:

The most immediate and critical action in cases of suspected chemical burns is to flush the site with running water for at least 20 minutes to remove the chemical and minimize damage. Other options, while potentially helpful in specific contexts, do not address the primary goal of immediate chemical removal.