Dermatology: frostbite management: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Dermatology: frostbite management

Sample item

A trekker arrives with frozen, waxy, numb toes. What is the correct initial treatment?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Rapid rewarming in water at 37 to 39 degrees C

Frostbite is treated by rapid rewarming in circulating water at 37 to 39 degrees C once refreezing can be avoided, with analgesia and tetanus prophylaxis. Rubbing and dry heat cause further tissue damage. Amputation is delayed until demarcation is clear.

Option by option

  • A. Rubbing the toes with snow

    Rubbing with snow damages tissue.

  • B. Immediate amputation

    Early amputation is avoided until demarcation.

  • C. Rapid rewarming in water at 37 to 39 degrees C (correct)

    Correct. Rapid warm water rewarming is standard.

  • D. Rewarming near an open fire

    Dry heat risks burns on numb skin.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Rapid rewarming in water at 37 to 39 degrees C. Frostbite is treated by rapid rewarming in circulating water at 37 to 39 degrees C once refreezing can be avoided, with analgesia and tetanus prophylaxis.

Why is "Rubbing the toes with snow" not the answer?

Rubbing with snow damages tissue.

Why is "Immediate amputation" not the answer?

Early amputation is avoided until demarcation.

Why is "Rewarming near an open fire" not the answer?

Dry heat risks burns on numb skin.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dermatology: frostbite management in Dermatology. Rubbing and dry heat cause further tissue damage. Amputation is delayed until demarcation is clear.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Dermatology: frostbite management?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.