1

A homeless individual is brought to the Emergency Room after having been out in subfreezing temperatures for three to four days. The toes of the patient’s right foot appear hard and cold with mottling, and are unresponsive to touch. Which of the following would NOT be included in the initial management of this patient by the Emergency Room nurse?

  • Place sterile gauze between the affected digits

  • Wrap the affected extremity in a blanket and apply moist heat

  • Rewarm the extremity with controlled and rapid rewarming until the injured part flushes

  • Elevate the affected extremity