Which is the priority nursing intervention for a child with sunburn? (A) Applying zinc oxide cream (B) Covering the skin with light clothing (C) Providing a tepid water bath for 20 minutes (D) Applying sunscreen lotion with sun protection factor 15
Answer (1)
The priority nursing intervention for a child with sunburn is (C) Providing a tepid water bath for 20 minutes.
Sunburns can be quite painful, and the primary goal in managing them is to relieve pain and minimize skin damage. Here's a step-by-step explanation of why providing a tepid water bath is prioritized:
Tepid Water Bath : This involves using lukewarm water (tepid) to cool the skin. A temperature of around 20°C (68°F) is usually comfortable. The bath should be brief, around 20 minutes, to help soothe the skin without causing additional chilling.
How it Helps : Tepid baths can help reduce the temperature of the skin, providing immediate pain relief. It helps in calming the burnt area and provides a sense of relief more rapidly than other interventions.
Compared to Other Options :
Zinc Oxide Cream (A) : This is primarily used as a barrier to protect skin rather than to treat burns. It is more beneficial if there is a break in the skin to prevent infection.
Light Clothing (B) : While covering the skin can prevent further sun damage, it doesn't actively relieve the existing sunburn or provide immediate pain relief.
Sunscreen Lotion (D) : Applying sunscreen is a preventative measure and should be used to protect the skin from sun exposure in the future, not for treating an existing sunburn.
In summary, a tepid water bath is the most immediate and effective intervention to soothe sunburned skin.
