burns Flashcards
what cause burns
Thermal, chemical, electrical, and radioactive agents
results in
cellular destruction of the skin layers, and underlying tissue.
- destruction of body tissue, a burn injury results in the loss of temperature regulation, sweat and sebaceous gland function, and sensory function.
- Metabolism increases to maintain body heat as a result of burn injury and tissue damage.
dry heat injuries
result from open flames and explosions
moist heat injuries
injuries result from contact with hot liquid or steam.
contact burns
occur when hot metal, tar, or grease contacts the skin.
chemical burns
result from exposure to a caustic agent
cleaning agents
in the home (drain cleaner, oven cleaner, bleach) and agents in the industrial setting (caustic soda, sulfuric acid) can cause chemical burns.
thermal burns
result when clothes ignite from heat or flames that electrical sparks produce.
flash (arc burns)
result from contact with electrical current that travels through the air from one conductor to another.
conductive electric injury
results when a person touches electrical wiring or equipment.
radiation
burns most often result from therapeutic treatment for cancer or from sunburn.
severity of burn based off of
- Depth/Degree of burn.
- Percent of body surface areas involved. (TBSA)
- Location of the burn on the body.
- Association with other injuries.
- Patient’s age.
- Causative agent.
- Respiratory involvement and overall health of the patient. MOST IMPORTANT
1st and 3rd degress
1st: sunburns
3rd: into tissue
rules of nines
Quick method to approximate the extent of burns by dividing the body into multiples of nine. The sum equals the TBSA.
emergent (resuscitative)
Begins with the injury and continues for 24 to 48 hr.
- Priorities include securing the airway, supporting circulation and organ perfusion by fluid replacement, managing pain, preventing infection through wound care, maintaining body temperature, and providing emotional support.
acute
- Begins 36 to 48 hr after injury when the fluid shift resolves.
- Ends with closure of the wound.
Priorities include assessment and maintenance of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems (including nutrition); wound care; pain control; and psychosocial interventions.