FROSTBITE

Course overview

Frostbite is a pathological condition characterized by tissue damage after acute exposure to freezing temperatures. The exposure causes ice crystals to form first in the plasma fluid and interstitial cellular tissue, with stasis and decreased blood flow, and finally intracellular crystallization that causes cell membrane rupture, cellular death, and tissue necrosis. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of frostbite, including its clinical presentation, risk factors, and treatment goals and strategies, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.