Burns Flashcards
1
Q
What is the definition of a BURN
A
Burns are caused by a transference of energy from a heat source to the body.
2
Q
What are the aims of treatment?
A
- Prevention
- Best Practise Care
- Prevention of disability
- Rehabilitation
3
Q
What is the functioning role of the Skin?
A
- Regulation of body temperature
- Excretion of bodily fluids
- Sensory perception
- Protect the inner organs
4
Q
Causes of Burns?
A
- Thermal- Flames, Flashes, Contact with hot objects & Cigarette burns
- Chemical- Acids, Alkali, Cresols & Pesticides
- Electrical- Coagulation necrosis of the tissue due to heat generated by the current. Severity is determined by:
a) Voltage
b) Duration
c) Tissue Resistance
d) Surface area affected
e) Current Pathway - Smoke inhalation- Major determinant of mortality in fire victims.
- Radiation- UV rays, Sun beds, Exposure to radioactive materials, radiotherapy (x-rays)
5
Q
Burn assessments are determined by what?
A
- Burn assessments are determined by the tissue involved and the % TBSA
- Determined by the layer of skin that is injured.
6
Q
What are the affected layers?
A
- Epidermal
- Superficial dermal
- Mid dermal
- Deep dermal
- Full thickness burns
7
Q
Superficial Burns
A
- Involves only the epidermis
- Red & painful
- Caused by sun burn or minor flashes
- Small blisters may develop/ Skin peels within delayed days
- Heals within 7 days
8
Q
What are the treatment for Superficial Burns?
A
- First aid
- Regular application of Hydrogel
- Moisturisers to soothe
9
Q
Superficial Dermal Partial Thickness Burns
A
- Involves the epidermis and the superficial dermis
- Painful (Nerves are exposed)
- Blisters are a trademark
- Capillaries are brisk
- Heals within 14days by epithelialisation.
10
Q
Mid Dermal Partial Thickness Burn
A
- Dermal is damaged- Preservation is vital
- Pain present but less severe
- Capillary return is present but delayed
- Need to wait 2-3days to determine progression and healing
- Heals within 14-21days: requires silver dressing
11
Q
Deep Dermal Partial Thickness Burns
A
- Exposed deep dermal damage.
- Pale due to damage to blood vessels
- Diminished capillary refill
- Loss of sensation (mild)
- Recovery >21days
- Treatment: First aid, silver/anti- biotic dressing & surgical interventions
12
Q
Full thickness burns
A
- Epidermis and dermal is destroyed
- Penetration to the muscles and tendons
- Sensation is lost
- White/waxy in appearance
- Leathery (eschar)
- Management: Silver/anti-biotic dressings, & skin grafting
13
Q
Total Body Surface Area
A
- Associates with the area that is injured
- Determines facility and degree of the treatment
- Includes 3 methods:
a) Lund Browders Chart
b) Rule of Nine
c) Palmers Method
14
Q
Lund Browders Method
A
- Determines the % TBSA affected by splitting the body into smaller areas.
15
Q
Rule of Nine
A
- Assigns percentages in multiple of 9s to major body parts
16
Q
Palmers Method
A
- Taking the patients hand to estimate the % of burns, palm equates to 1%