Electrical, Chemical and Thermal Burns · NCLEX Exam

In the initial care of a chemical burn, which nursing action is most appropriate?

  1. Apply ice directly to the area affected by the chemical burn.
  2. Remove contaminated clothing and irrigate copiously with water.
  3. Delay any irrigation of the burn until the lab results return.
  4. Cover the area with petroleum jelly before cleaning the wound.
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Correct answer: Remove contaminated clothing and irrigate copiously with water.

For chemical burns, removing contaminated clothing and copious irrigation is critical. Some chemical exposures (e.g., reactive metals) need special handling, but generally immediate de-contamination is key.

Difficulty: Easy Question 3 of 19

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