Which statement best describes the cooling of full-thickness burns?

• A. Cooling with moist dressings is recommended.
• B. Cooling should be avoided to prevent hypothermia.
• C. Cooling with sterile saline to the burn is standard.
• D. Immersing in cold water is ideal.

Answer: (B)

In burn care, keeping the patient warm and preventing further heat loss is a priority, especially with large, full-thickness burns. Cooling a large burn area can cause a dangerous drop in core body temperature, leading to hypothermia that worsens shock, coagulation problems, and overall instability. Since full-thickness burns involve tissue that is already nonviable, further cooling does not provide meaningful tissue-saving benefit and can complicate the patient’s systemic condition. The best approach is to gently cover the burned areas with dry, sterile dressings and keep the patient warm while arranging rapid transport to definitive care. For small, less severe burns, brief cooling with cool running water may help, but for extensive full-thickness burns, avoid cooling interventions like immersion in cold water or applying ice.