Which of the following is a sign of deep frostbite?

Prepare for your First Aid and CPR/AED Level C exam. Study with detailed flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Ace your certification!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a sign of deep frostbite?

Deep frostbite injures not just the surface but deeper tissues and nerves, so loss of sensation in the affected area is the clearest sign that the injury is deep. When nerves are damaged, you can’t feel touch or warmth there, which distinguishes deep frostbite from milder, surface frostbite. The other signs—very cold, waxy skin; a hard feel to the skin and underlying tissue; or skin that is white, blue, black, or mottled—can occur with frostbite in general but don’t specifically indicate that deeper structures are involved. If numbness or loss of feeling is present, treat it as a medical emergency and handle the area gently, rewarm gradually if there’s no risk of refreezing, and seek professional care.

Deep frostbite injures not just the surface but deeper tissues and nerves, so loss of sensation in the affected area is the clearest sign that the injury is deep. When nerves are damaged, you can’t feel touch or warmth there, which distinguishes deep frostbite from milder, surface frostbite. The other signs—very cold, waxy skin; a hard feel to the skin and underlying tissue; or skin that is white, blue, black, or mottled—can occur with frostbite in general but don’t specifically indicate that deeper structures are involved. If numbness or loss of feeling is present, treat it as a medical emergency and handle the area gently, rewarm gradually if there’s no risk of refreezing, and seek professional care.

More practice questions