Burns Flashcards
Layers of skin from superficial to deep?
Epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous
Burns are categorized into what categories?
First degree (superficial epidermis) Second degree (superficial partial thickness or deep partial thickness) Third degree (full thickness) Forth degree (involves bone, tendon, or underlying tissue)
Third degree burns are characterized by?
No sensation, no spontaneous healing (heal by grafts)
What rule is used to quantify surface area burned?
Rule of 9s
Explain the rule of 9s.
Head 9% BSA Each arm 9% BSA Chest 9% Abd 9% Upper back 9% Lower back 9% Front of each leg 9% Back of each leg 9% Genitals 1% =100%
Best treatment for any burn?
Cool water and drape
Should you use ice to cool down a burn?
No
Burn patients may need what vaccination?
tetanus
Second degree full thickness burns of 20% BSA or more and third degree burns need?
IV fluids
Choice and amount of fluids given to treat burn patients?
Lactated ringers
Use parkland formula (on MDcalc, uses BSA and weight)
Wound care for intact blisters of <48 hours?
Leave them alone
Wound care for ruptured blisters?
Debride
Wound care for intact blisters >48 hours?
Debride large blisters
What is the correct order for dressing a burn?
Clean/cream/xeroform/fluff and snug
What should burns be cleaned with?
Chlorohexidine
It is “super important” to do this to burned extremities.
Elevation
Patients with singed facial hairs involved in a flash burn need what on physical exam?
Need to view airway
List some concerning signs/symptoms after a inhalation injury.
Hoarse voice
stridor
Carbonaceous sputum
Drooling
What lab level should be checked in patients coming in after a house fire?
CO levels
What do voltage burns of >1000 volts cause?
Deep tissue injury
What do voltage burns of <1000volts cause?
Cardiac arrhythmias
Patients with these burns need discussion/transfer to a specialist.
2nd degree circumferential and 20%BSA burns (10% in children)
2nd degree on face, hands, feet, ear, and perineum
Electric burns
Third degree burns
Known inhalation
What procedure is done for a burn patient with tight skin around check and difficulty breathing?
Escharotomy
A patient dumps hot tar onto their hands. What do you do?
Use an emulsifier such as a polysorbate based triple antibiotic cream to remove it.
Dress the burns and bring them back the next day
