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Chemical burn — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardEnvironmental MedicineChemical burnDIPIMCDipIMC

An industrial worker sustains an alkali splash to the forearm and the eye and is in considerable pain.

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Irrigate copiously with water or saline for a prolonged period, including continuous irrigation of the eye

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · C = shown as D · B = shown as E

Chemical burns are managed by removing the agent and irrigating copiously for a prolonged period, with continuous eye irrigation en route, because alkalis in particular penetrate tissue deeply and cause progressive injury. Attempting to neutralise with an acid (A) is harmful because the reaction is exothermic and causes further damage. Dilution by prolonged irrigation, not chemical neutralisation, is the correct approach.

Reference: JRCALC Clinical Guidelines; NICE NG39