What action should be taken when a patient with burns has numerous bullae and reports significant pain?

When a patient with burns presents with numerous bullae and reports significant pain, referring the patient to the emergency department is crucial. This action is appropriate because extensive burns, characterized by the presence of bullae, can lead to potential complications such as infection, fluid loss, and the need for specialized care, including pain management and possible surgical interventions.

In emergency settings, patients can receive prompt assessment and treatment tailored to the severity of their burn injuries. The evaluation will include determining the depth and total body surface area affected by burns, which is essential for guiding fluid resuscitation and further interventions.

Further, managing significant pain in burn patients typically requires more than just topical treatments; systemic analgesics and specialized care protocols are often necessary. Therefore, a referral to the emergency department ensures that comprehensive care can be provided in line with established protocols for burn management.

The choice to monitor pulse oximetry continuously, administer IV fluids immediately, or apply a topical ointment for pain may be relevant in specific contexts, but they lack the immediacy and breadth of care that a referral to the emergency department offers for a burn patient with serious presentations.