Frostbite.pptx

8/12/2019 Frostbite.pptx

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FROSTBITE

Ma. Isabel B. Barredo


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Frostbite

acute freezing of the tissues as a result ofexposure to low environmental temperaturesbelow the freezing point of intact skin

the inflammatory process that occurs withfrostbite is similar to that after a thermal burn

The severity of a frostbite injury depends onthe environmental temperature to which theskin is exposed, and to how long it is exposedto a low temperature.


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Most cases of frostbite are

encountered in: soldiers

persons who work outdoors in the cold

homeless people

athletes engaging in sports with seasonsextending into the cold months of the year

winter outdoor enthusiasts, such as Nordicskiers


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Any part of the body can be

affected by frostbite, but the

extremities, such as the feet,

ears or hands are the more common

sites for it to occur.


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Risk Factors

Diabetes

Peripheral neuropathy

Use of beta-blockers


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CLASSIFICATIONS OF FROSTBITE


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Signs and Symptoms

Pins and needles feeling followed by numbness

Hard, pale, and cold skin that has been exposed tothe cold for too long

The area may ache or throb. Lack of sensation

As the area thaws, the flesh becomes red and verypainful

Very severe frostbite may cause:

Blisters

Gangrene

Damage to tendons, muscles, nerves, and bone


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Assessment

History:

o Circumstances surrounding incident

o Intensity and duration of exposure; onset of symptoms

o Obtain past health history including allergies and a list ofcurrent medications including over the counter drugs

o Tetanus immunization status

o Risk Factors associated with Frostbite i.e.( peripheralvascular disease, Raynauds phenomenon, peripheralneuropathy, diabetes, poor nutrition, use of alcohol, drugsand tobacco and patients who are on Beta-Blockers)


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Physical:

Location of frostbite

Degree of frostbite according toClassification of Frostbite chart

Vital signs

Level of consciousness

Complete assessment of lung fields if historyof submersion in cold water

Pain scale


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MANAGEMENT


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Emergency Management (F-R-O-S-T-B-I-T-

E) The main goal of emergency management for frostbite is the restoration of

normal body temperature. F For injuries in the lower extremities, do not allow the patient to walk. Move

the person to a warmer place and shelter him or her from cold.

RRemove all constricting clothing and jewelries. These items may impaircirculation.

OObserve the patient for signs of hypothermia or lowered body temperatureand manage the condition accordingly.

S Sterile dressings should be used to wrap the affected part if immediatemedical help is available before rushing the patient to the emergencydepartment for further care. It is important for the nurse to remember toseparate the fingers and toes in doing so.

TThe extremity can be rewarmed using controlled and rapid rewarming.Rewarming fist aid may be given in cases where immediate care is unavailable. Todo this, the affected area is placed and soaked for 30 to 45 minutes in a 37 to 40degree Celsius whirlpool until the tips of the injured part flushes. The flush wouldindicate that the circulatory flow is re-established. To aid the warming process,

the water should be kept circulating.


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BBe sure to conduct a physical assessment to observe forconcomitant injury such as:

o Soft tissue injury

o Dehydration

o Alcohol comao Fat embolism

IIn dressing frostbite injuries, it is essential to use strict aseptictechnique. Damages from frostbite make the patient susceptibleto infection.

TTetanus prophylaxis can be given if there is associated trauma EEncourage hourly movement of the affected digits to

promote maximal restoration of function and to preventcontractures.


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Further Management of

Frostbite Whirlpool bath used to promote circulation in theaffected part, debride necrotic tissue, permit normalcirculation in the area and to help prevent infection.

Escharotomyin this procedure an incision throughthe eschar is made. This procedure is done toprevent further tissue damage, to allow normalblood circulation and to permit movements ormotion in the joints.

Fasciotomythis is a surgical procedure where anincision is made in fascia in order to release pressureon the muscles, nerves and blood vessels.Fasciotomy is useful in treating compartmentsyndrome.


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Possible Nursing Diagnosis

Hypothermia

Risk for infection

Altered tissue perfusion Sensory alteration


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Thank you!

Documents

Frostbite.pptx