A patient is admitted to the emergency department with severe frostbite to both feet. Which of the following assessment findings would the nurse expect to see?
Explanation
• Severe frostbite (third and fourth degree) causes the muscles, tendons, vessels and nerves to freeze. The result is hard, waxy skin and loss of sensation
• Severe frostbite will result in purple or black blisters
• Blood vessel freezing will cause decreased perfusion and minimal exudate