17.  What is the protocol for treatment of a frostbite patient?

Answer:
a) Treat breathing difficulty.
b) Establish circulation - IV access, cardiac monitoring, urinary catheter if needed, warm IV fliud, can go on bypass if necessary.
c) Perform history and physical exam -- remove all clothing and rings, check for other injuries, determine mechanism, estimate percentage.
d) Prevent shock by resuscitating.
e) Treat ileus (NGT).
f) Treat the burn wound:
        •thaw frozen part in water warmed to 104-108 degrees
        •debride clear or white blisters
        •aspirin
g) Prevent chilling of patient.
h) Relieve pain.
i)  Tetanus prophylaxis.
 

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