Which action is not part of the initial care for a second-degree burn?

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Multiple Choice

Which action is not part of the initial care for a second-degree burn?

Immediate burn care focuses on stopping the burn, supporting vital functions, and assessing how much of the body is affected. First, make sure the heat source is removed and cool the wound with room-temperature water for about 10 minutes to limit depth and pain. Next, perform an ABC assessment—airway, breathing, and circulation—because burns can threaten breathing or circulation, especially if there is airway swelling or significant fluid shifts. After stabilizing the patient, estimate the extent of the burn (what portion of the body is involved) to guide decisions about transport, fluids, and level of care. Antibiotics are not part of the initial management because they do not treat the tissue injury or the immediate priorities, and routine prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended in burn care. They may be used later only if there is an infection or another specific indication. Wound care steps that follow include cleaning and covering the burn with a clean dressing, managing pain, and addressing tetanus prophylaxis as needed.

Immediate burn care focuses on stopping the burn, supporting vital functions, and assessing how much of the body is affected. First, make sure the heat source is removed and cool the wound with room-temperature water for about 10 minutes to limit depth and pain. Next, perform an ABC assessment—airway, breathing, and circulation—because burns can threaten breathing or circulation, especially if there is airway swelling or significant fluid shifts. After stabilizing the patient, estimate the extent of the burn (what portion of the body is involved) to guide decisions about transport, fluids, and level of care.

Antibiotics are not part of the initial management because they do not treat the tissue injury or the immediate priorities, and routine prophylactic antibiotics are not recommended in burn care. They may be used later only if there is an infection or another specific indication. Wound care steps that follow include cleaning and covering the burn with a clean dressing, managing pain, and addressing tetanus prophylaxis as needed.

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