Burns Flashcards
Why does plasma seep out into the tissues after a burn?
Increase capillary permeability
When does the majority of 3rd spacing occur?
1st 24 hours
Why might a burn pt go into shock?
Fluid volume deficit from 3rd spacing
What happens to the HR during fluid volume deficit?
Increases to shunt blood to vital organs
Why is epinephrine secreted?
Vasoconstricts and shunts blood to vital organs
What is the most common airway injury with burns?
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Why might a sat probe read 100% and red in color with carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is bound to the hgb
How to treat hypoxia
100% O2
What do you do prophylactically when someone is burned to the neck/face/chest?
Intubate due to risk of airway injury
Rule of Nines
Head: 9% Chest: 18% Back: 18% Each arm: 9% Each leg: 18% Genitals: 1%
How to calculate fluid replacement
From the time of the burn, calculate the total amount needed for the first 24 hours. Give half of the total volume during the first 8 hours. 2nd 8 hours: 1/4. 3rd 8 hours: 1/4.
Parkland Formula
(4mL of LR) * (weight in kg) * (%TBSA) = Fluid volume for 1st 24 hours
Nurse’s priority in burn pt
Hypoxia, not pain
How do you determine if the pt’s fluid volume is adequate?
UOP 0.4mL/kg/hr (30-50mL/hr)
Why not use ice for burns?
Vasoconstriction inhibits blood flow to extremities, use cool water
How does a blanket help with burns
Holds in body heat and keeps out germs
How to treat burns after stopping burning process
Remove jewelry and non-adherent clothing, cover wound with a clean dry cloth
A client’s respirations are shallow. What are they retaining?
CO2 (resp acid)
Albumin
Holds onto fluid in the vascular space. Increases volume, BP, kidney perfusion, CO
What happens to CO during fluid volume excess?
Decreases, workload on heart is too much and it’s too stressed
In a client who is receiving fluids rapidly, what should you measure hourly to make sure they’re not overloaded?
CVP, not UOP
Why not use IM pain meds in burn pts
You must have adequate perfusion to the muscle
Tetanus toxoid booster
Active immunity (takes 2-4 weeks to develop immunity)
Immune globulin
Immediate protection, passive immunity
What shot will burn pts get if they haven’t had a recent tetanus shot?
Immune globulin
Eschar
Dry, dark scab falling away of dead skin
What is included in a circulatory check?
Pulse, color, temp of skin, capillary refill
Escharotomy
Relieves the pressure and restores the circulation, cuts through eschar
Fasciotomy
Relieves the pressure and restores the circulation, but the cut is much deeper into the tissue. It cuts through the fascia of the muscle
Skin turgor
Checks hydration, NOT circulation
Sensation
Neurovascular check, NOT circulation
Why might urine not return when inserting a catheter?
Kidneys are retaining the fluid or aren’t being perfused adequately