Question

a nurse is observing the skin of a client who has frostbite. the client has small blisters that contain blood and the skin of the affected area does not blanch. the nurse should classify this injury as which of the following? first - degree frostbite second - degree frostbite third - degree frostbite fourth - degree frostbite

Explanation:

To determine the frostbite degree, we analyze each option:

• First - degree frostbite: Usually involves skin redness, numbness, no blisters. So this is not correct.
• Second - degree frostbite: Has clear fluid - filled blisters, and the skin blanches. The client here has blood - filled blisters and non - blanching skin, so this is not correct.
• Third - degree frostbite: Shows blood - filled blisters, and the skin does not blanch. This matches the client's symptoms.
• Fourth - degree frostbite: Involves tissue necrosis, including muscle and bone, with more severe damage than just blood - filled blisters and non - blanching skin. So this is not correct.

Answer:

C. Third - degree frostbite