Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) Practice Exam

Keeping the patient warm to prevent hypothermia is crucial when providing care to burn victims during air transport. Burn patients are at a significantly higher risk for hypothermia due to the loss of skin integrity, which plays a vital role in thermoregulation. Skin acts as a barrier to both moisture and heat; when it is compromised by burns, the body can lose heat rapidly, especially in the cooler environment typically found in an air transport setting. Maintaining body temperature is essential not only for comfort but also for metabolic processes and overall healing. Hypothermia can exacerbate the patient's condition, reduce the effectiveness of treatments, and complicate recovery. Therefore, measures should be taken to ensure the patient is kept at a stable and warm temperature throughout the transport. While administering immediate pain medication, maintaining hydration levels, and avoiding limiting fluid intake are all important considerations in the management of burn victims, the immediate risk of hypothermia during air transport makes warmth preservation a primary concern.