Frostbite

Etiology / Pathophysiology

• Freezing temperatures damage tissue, especially fingers, toes, nose, ears, and cheeks.
• Ice crystals and vasoconstriction injure cells and blood vessels, risking tissue loss during freezing and reperfusion.

Medications

No specific medication class was seeded for this card.

Nursing actions

• Assess ABCs, core temperature, perfusion, sensation, skin color, blisters, and trauma risk.
• Rewarm only when refreezing will not occur; use warm water per protocol, not direct dry heat.
• Do not massage frozen tissue; protect from pressure and prepare pain control and wound care.

Complications

• Tissue necrosis
• Amputation
• Infection
• Hypothermia
• Compartment syndrome

NCLEX cues

• Waxy, numb, pale or hard skin after cold exposure.
• Do not rub frostbitten tissue.
• Hypothermia can be the first priority.

Memory hooks

• Warm gently, do not rub, prevent refreeze.

Labs / Diagnostics

• Core temperature
• Neurovascular checks
• Imaging for deep injury when ordered

Review notes

• Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.