A patient arrives following prolonged exposure of their left hand to cold and presents with bright red skin and a blister. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Gently rewarming the hand over a period of 15 to 30 minutes is the most appropriate nursing intervention in this case of cold-induced injury. When a patient presents with bright red skin and a blister after prolonged exposure to cold, it suggests a condition known as frostbite or cold injury. The immediate goal of treatment is to gradually rewarm the affected area to prevent further tissue damage and to promote healing.

Gradual rewarming allows for the controlled return of blood flow to the affected tissues, minimizing the risk of further injury that can occur if the area is re-exposed to extreme temperatures or is warmed too quickly. During this process, tissues can become inflamed and more susceptible to injury, so it is critical to do this gently and methodically.

Other interventions may provide some benefits, but they do not align with best practices for managing cold injuries. For example, wrapping the hand in a warm towel could lead to uneven warming and might not provide adequate environment for gradual rewarming. Immersing the hand in hot water is inappropriate because it risks causing thermal injury to the already traumatized tissue. Administering pain medication can be useful, but it does not address the primary issue of rewarming the hand and should not be considered a primary intervention