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.

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