Assessment & Types of Burns

Question 1

What are the 5 types of burns?

Answer 1

1. Thermal – flames, scalds, hot objects

• This is the most common type of burn injury

2. Chemical – necrotizing agents; acids are the most common

3. Electrical – heat from an electrical current results in damage to nerves and tissues

4. Inhalation injury – smoke or hot air damages respiratory tissue. This includes carbon monoxide poisoning and injuries both above and below the glottis

5. Cold injury – frostbite

Question 2

What is and what causes a first degree burn?

Answer 2

First degree – these are superficial partial thickness. They are painful, dry and red. There is no blister formation but swelling can be seen.

Example: Sunburn

Question 3

What is a second degree burn?

Answer 3

Second degree – these are partial thickness, extremely painful and have the most blisters, some very large. You will see mild to moderate edema. As the damage extends beyond the epidermis, the infection barrier is now compromised

Question 4

What is a third degree burn?

Answer 4

Third degree – full thickness, extending from the epidermis to underlying tissues, adipose, muscle and even bone. Because of the extent of the injury, nerve endings (nerve supply) are destroyed and there is no pain. The burn appears dry, leathery, waxy or pearly in appearance.

Question 5

How do you estimate the extent of burn injury in patients?

Answer 5

The Lund and Browder chart is most commonly used in burn centers to estimate injury. It takes age into consideration when calculating the percentages.