Burns Flashcards
First degree burns
Surface of epidermis affected
Painful
Skin redness
Ie sunburns
Second degree burns
Entire epidermis and some of dermis damaged
Very painful
Blisters, swelling
Healing takes 1-2 weeks
Scar tissues form
Third degree burn
Destroys epidermis, dermis, and part of hypodermis
Less painful
Cannot repair
Skin grafting necessary
Fluid and electrolyte balance
Skin loses effectiveness
Body loses more fluids due to evaporation
Body is cooler due to evaporation
Infection
Dampness encourages bacteria growth
Sepsis - widespread bacterial infection (most likely cause of death)
Depth of burn
Use a pin to find nerves
Absence of reaction means 3rd degree burn
Treatment
Replacing fluids and electrolytes
Prevent infection
Assisting tissue repair with skin grafts