Burns

Question 1

What is the initial first aid for a burn?

Answer 1

Run under cool water for 20 minutes
Wrap in layers of clingfilm
Seek emergency help

Question 2

What are the four possible burn depths

Answer 2

Superficial (superficial epidermal)
Partial Thickness (superficial dermal)
Partial Thickness (deep dermal)
Full Thickness

Question 3

What is characteristic of Superficial (superficial epidermal)
burns?

Answer 3

First Degree

Red and painful but no blisters

Question 4

What is characteristic of Partial Thickness (superficial dermal) burns?

Answer 4

Second Degree

Pale pink, blistered, slow cap refill

Question 5

What is characteristic of Partial Thickness (deep dermal) burns?

Answer 5

Second Degree

White, reduced sensation, pain to deep pressure

Question 6

What is characteristic of Full Thickness burns?

Answer 6

Third degree

White/Brown/Black
No pain

Question 7

What are two considerations with severe burns patients?

Answer 7

Escharotomies (for circumferential burns)
Intubation (?smoke inhalation)

Question 8

What are three ways to estimate the extent of the burn?

Answer 8

1) Wallace’s Rule of 9s
2) Lund and Browder chart
3) Palmar surface area = 1% (accurate for burns <15%)

Question 9

Who requires IV fluids?

Answer 9

Adults with burns more than 15% TBSA
Children with burns more than 10% TBSA

Question 10

How is the vol of IV fluids calculated?

Answer 10

Parklands Formula

TBSA x Weight (Kg) x 4

First half given over 8h

Question 11

Give three general considerations in acute management of burns

Answer 11

1) Pain relief
2) Emollient (if superficial)
3) Catheter