What are the key assessment findings and treatment options for a 27-year-old female presenting with burns to her left hand and forearm from a coffee machine?

From the Guidelines

The patient with burns to her left hand and forearm from a coffee machine should be immediately assessed for the severity of the burns and treated with cool or cold potable water for at least 10 minutes to reduce the risk of further injury.

Key Assessment Findings

• The location and extent of the burns, including the face, hands, feet, and genitals, which may require surgical intervention to prevent permanent disability 1
• The presence of blistering or broken skin, difficulty breathing, or a larger surface area affected by the burn, which may indicate the need for advanced care 1
• The patient's overall condition, including signs of inhalation injury, such as facial burns, difficulty breathing, singed nasal hairs, or soot around the nose or mouth, which may require immediate EMS activation 1

Treatment Options

• Cooling the burn: with cool or cold potable water for at least 10 minutes to reduce the risk of further injury 1
• Pain management: with over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs, which are well tolerated and generally recommended for burn pain 1
• Wound dressing: with a nonadherent bandage or clean cloth to protect the wound and reduce pain, while avoiding heat entrapment until the burn can be assessed by a healthcare professional 1
• Referral to a specialized burn center: if the burn is severe, involves a large surface area, or affects critical areas such as the face, hands, feet, or genitals, as these may require surgical intervention and specialized care 1
• Monitoring for hypothermia: when cooling large burns, as this can be a significant complication 1
• Jewelry removal: to prevent constriction and vascular ischemia, especially if the burn is severe or affects the hands or feet 1

From the Research

Assessment Findings

• The patient's burn injury to the left hand and forearm from a coffee machine requires accurate evaluation of the severity to initiate appropriate treatment 2
• The assessment should consider the depth, location, and extent of the wound, as well as the patient's overall physical and mental health 3, 4
• The patient's burn wound is at risk of infection, which is a common complication and cause of death in burn patients, and diagnosis relies on physical examination, cultures, and pathology of the burn wound 5

Treatment Options

• Minor burns may heal with topical treatment alone, but moderate to severe burns require systemic management, and skin grafting may be necessary 2
• Treatment consists of a combination of local dressings, early burn excision, and systemic antimicrobial therapy to prevent infection and promote wound healing 5, 6
• The goals of burn wound care include removal of nonviable tissue, prevention of infection, and facilitation of wound healing, while controlling pain and maximizing outcome 4
• Burn care providers must consider acute and critical care management, long-term care, and rehabilitation to optimize the patient's quality of life 3