American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the management of frostbite, leaving simple, non-tense clear blisters intact is the most appropriate step. This approach is based on the principle that intact blisters serve as a natural barrier to infection and contribute to the protection of underlying tissue. Blisters can help maintain a moist environment, which promotes healing.

It's important to manage frostbite conservatively to avoid further damage and complications. When blisters are intact and not tense, draining them can expose the underlying tissue to infection, which can worsen the patient’s overall condition. Therefore, the best practice is to allow these blisters to remain as they are until they resolve on their own or until the situation warrants medical intervention at a later stage.

Management of frostbite also includes rapid rewarming, but it should be done with careful attention to maintaining the integrity of the blisters. The use of dry heat is not recommended as it can cause thermal injury. Analgesics are crucial for patient comfort and should not be withheld, as pain management is an essential aspect of treating frostbite patients. Complete surgical debridement is typically reserved for cases where there are extensive, non-viable tissues or if there is a clinical suspicion of infection. Thus, managing blisters carefully plays a key role