Burns

Question 1

What is released immediately after a burn injury?

Answer 1

Catecholamines and other mediators

This release triggers various physiological responses.

Question 2

What are the cardiovascular effects of a burn injury?

Answer 2

Increased BP and HR, vasoconstriction, disrupted blood flow

These changes can lead to further complications in burn patients.

Question 3

What happens to capillary permeability after a burn injury?

Answer 3

Increased capillary permeability

This can lead to fluid leakage and edema.

Question 4

What are the potential consequences of increased capillary permeability?

Answer 4

Edema, third spacing, hypovolemia, massive fluid shifts (SIRS)

These conditions can severely impact the patient’s hemodynamics.

Question 5

How does a burn injury affect perfusion to the gastrointestinal system?

Answer 5

Decreased perfusion to GI system

This can result in complications such as paralytic ileus.

Question 6

What complications may arise due to decreased perfusion to the GI system?

Answer 6

Paralytic ileus, abdominal distension, Curling’s ulcer

These complications can lead to further patient morbidity.

Question 7

What substances are released from damaged cells during a burn injury?

Answer 7

Myoglobin and potassium (K)

These substances can lead to complications such as renal failure.

Question 8

What are the signs that suggest smoke/inhalation injuries?

Answer 8

Signs include:
* Burns of the head, neck, or chest
* Burns in an enclosed space
* Facial burns and singed hair
* Black carbon particles in the nose, mouth, and sputum
* Change in respiratory pattern
* Drooling or difficulty swallowing
* Hoarseness, cough, wheezes, and stridor

These signs indicate potential inhalation injuries that require immediate attention.

Question 9

What should be suspected in any burn of the head, neck, chest, or in an enclosed space?

Answer 9

Smoke/inhalation injuries

Burns in these areas or settings significantly increase the risk of inhalation injuries.

Question 10

What is a common respiratory sign of smoke/inhalation injury?

Answer 10

Hoarseness

Hoarseness can indicate airway irritation or injury.

Question 11

What are the potential complications of lower airway injury from chemical exposure?

Answer 11

Complications include:
* Pulmonary edema
* Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

These conditions can severely affect respiratory function and require urgent intervention.

Question 12

What is an important position for a patient with suspected smoke/inhalation injury?

Answer 12

Place the patient upright

This position helps facilitate breathing and airway management.

Question 13

What should be administered to a patient with smoke/inhalation injury?

Answer 13

Oxygen (O2)

Providing oxygen is crucial for patients with respiratory distress.

Question 14

What type of assessments should be performed frequently on a patient with smoke/inhalation injury?

Answer 14

Respiratory assessments

Continuous monitoring is essential to detect any changes in the patient’s condition.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Black carbon particles in the _______ can indicate smoke/inhalation injury.

Answer 15

nose, mouth, and sputum

The presence of black carbon particles is a strong indicator of exposure to smoke.

Question 16

True or False: Difficulty swallowing is a potential sign of smoke/inhalation injury.

Answer 16

True

Difficulty swallowing can indicate airway compromise or swelling.

Question 17

What are the common causes of thermal burns?

Answer 17

Flame, flash, scald, hot object contact

Thermal burns can result from direct exposure to high temperatures.

Question 18

What respiratory complications can arise from thermal burns?

Answer 18

Edema, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary complications

These complications can significantly affect breathing and oxygenation.

Question 19

What indicates a facial burn in thermal burn patients?

Answer 19

Singed eyebrows or nasal hairs

These signs suggest exposure to heat or flames.

Question 20

What are the causes of chemical burns?

Answer 20

Acids, alkaline substances, organic compounds

Chemical burns can be particularly dangerous due to systemic absorption.

Question 21

What is a significant risk associated with electrical burns?

Answer 21

Extensive damage below the skin (iceberg effect)

Most of the injury is not visible externally.

Question 22

What should be done immediately for a patient with an electrical burn?

Answer 22

Need EKG/cardiac monitoring ASAP

Cardiac complications are a major concern following electrical burns.

Question 23

What are the signs and symptoms of smoke inhalation?

Answer 23

Burns to upper regions, singed nose hair, carbonaceous sputum, cough, wheeze, stridor, drooling, difficulty swallowing

These symptoms indicate potential airway compromise.

Question 24

What is a key sign of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Answer 24

Cherry red skin, headache, nausea/vomiting, unconsciousness or change in level of consciousness

These symptoms occur due to displacement of oxygen by carbon monoxide.

Question 25

What is the Parkland Formula used for?

Answer 25

Calculating fluid replacement for burn patients

The formula is 4 mL x BSA x Body weight (kg).

Question 26

What is the priority treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning?

Answer 26

Give 100% oxygen to push the CO out

Oxygen therapy is critical despite misleading pulse oximeter readings.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: The treatment for chemical burns includes _______.

Answer 27

Removing all clothing, water lavage, and removing dry chemical powders with a dry brush

Proper decontamination is essential to minimize tissue damage.

Question 28

True or False: Pulse oximetry is reliable in detecting carbon monoxide levels.

Answer 28

False

Pulse oximeters can give falsely high readings in the presence of carbon monoxide.

Question 29

What is carboxyhemoglobenemia?

Answer 29

The presence of carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin

This condition results from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Question 30

What are the signs of inadequate oxygen supply to the brain?

Answer 30

Headache, increased intracranial pressure

These symptoms can arise from hypoxia.