Adult Burns

Question 1

What are the 7 signs and symptoms of airway burns?

Answer 1

• Evidence of burns to upper torso, neck and face
• Facial and upper airway oedema
• Sooty sputum
• Burns that occured in an enclosed space
• Singed facial hair
• Respiratory Distress
• Hypoxia

Question 2

What are the 2 care objectives of Adult burns?

Answer 2

• Identify and manage potential airway burns as a priority
• Maintain tissue and organ perfusion, minimising pain, appropriate burn wound cooling and minimising heat loss during transfer to hospital

Question 3

What increased risk do electrical burns patients have?

Answer 3

• AKI

Question 3

All burns patients with ____ TBSA or _____ should be transported to the ______

Answer 3

20%, 1000Volts, Alfred

Question 4

What 6 types of burns require assessment by a major burns service?

Answer 4

• Hands
• Genitalia
• Face
• Circumfrential
• Major Joints
• Feet

Question 5

How long should a burns pt be cooled for, and when should cooling stop?

Answer 5

• For 20minutes
• Pt begins shivering or temp less than 35Degrees

Question 6

Should limbs be elevated in burns

Answer 6

• Yes

Question 7

How should burns be dressed

Answer 7

• Cling wrap
• Longitudinally

Question 8

What are the burns % per body part; Head, Torso + Abdo, back, Arm, Leg, Groin

Answer 8

9% Head
18% Torso + Abdo
18% Back
9% per Arm
18% Per Leg
1% Groin

Question 9

Patients with TBSA >___% get how much Saline over what time

Answer 9

• 15%
• TBSA X Weight
• Over 2 hours (From time of burn)

Question 10

In Adult burns what other management is required

Answer 10

• Pain Relief
• Cool the patient, warm the burn
• Apply appropriate dressing
• Tx to appropriate facility

Question 11

What are the 3 areas of a burn

Answer 11

• Zone of Coagulation (area that has been burnt and has irreversible tissue loss)
• Zone of Stasis (Decreased tissue perfussion, at risk of ichaemia and irreversible tissue loss if not treated appropriately)
• Zone of Hyperaemia (Usually fine, without further insult)

Question 12

Pathophgysiology of burn

Answer 12

1. Burn occurs
2. Chemical mediators released
3. Causes vasodilation and vasculature to become leaky
4. Fluid shift from Intravasculature to interstitum
5. Causes Distributive and Hypovlaemic (burns) shock
6. Hypoperfusion of Organs and infection later
7. MODS
8. Coma
9. Death