Missy is 3 years old. She enjoys being with mom and grandma in the kitchen. She pulls a chair close to the stove, climbs on the chair and looks inside the pot of boiling water. The steam is hot on her face, she steps back and as she falls off the chair, the boiling water is pulled down on her. Missy is rushed to the emergency department. Grandma has put some butter on her fingers, but her face was not treated.
Review the Rule of Nines found on page 1021.
In the ED, the nurse discovers that her hands, face, chest and arms are burned. The Dr. believes it to be a partial thickness burn, but notes her hands are blistered and very edematous.
Provide nursing care to this young patient that is complaining of pain, crying, and uncooperative. Educate the mother and grandmother on the extent of the burn and the on-going care that will be needed.
Include medication you may wish to request from the physician and the dosage.
After several days the doctor begins discussing grafting of the hands and face. Can you educate the parents on the care the child will need. What is the home care situation for this child? Please also discuss long term issues, physical, emotional, how will she relate to peers?
