Burns

Question 1

what are some risk factors for burns?

Answer 1

age - children and elderly
co morbidities - epilepsy, CVA, dementia, mental illness
occupation

Question 2

what are the three classifications of burns?

Answer 2

superficial
partial thickness
full thickness

Question 3

what are some early complications of burns?

Answer 3

infection
hypovolaemia
metabolic disturbance - increased K, myoglobin, Hb which leads to AKI
compartment syndrome
peptic ulcers - curlings ulcers
pulmonary - laryngeal oedema, CO poisoning, ARDS
renal and hepatic failure

Question 4

what are some intermediate complications of burns?

Answer 4

VTE

pressure sores

Question 5

what are some late complications of burns?

Answer 5

scarring
contractures
psychological problems

Question 6

what is the wallace rule?

Answer 6

rules of 9%

- percentage of body area burnt

Question 7

state the wallace rule

Answer 7

head and neck 9% 
each arm 9% 
torso 18%
back 18%
each leg 18%
perineum 1%

Question 8

what is the management of burns ?

Answer 8

ABCDE
secure airway
manage fluid loss
prevent infection

Question 9

how should respiratory burns be managed?

Answer 9

flexible laryngoscopy to identify damage
early intubation
dexamethasone

Question 10

how can respiratory burns be identified ?

Answer 10

soot in oral or nasal cavities
burnt nasal hairs
hoarse voice, stridor

Question 11

what are three signs of CO poisoning?

Answer 11

headache
confusion
cherry red appearance

Question 12

what fluids should be given for burn patients ?

Answer 12

2L of warmed Hartmanns immediately

Question 13

what is the treatment for burns ?

Answer 13

analgesia - morphine
dress partial thickness burns
- biological, synthetic, cream

full thickness burns

• debridement
• split thickness skin grafts

anti tetanus toxoid

consider prophylaxis Abx (anti pseudomonnal)