Burns Flashcards
Burn
A thermal injury that destroys layers of the skin
TBSA
Total Body Surface Area - the area of the body that has been burned
The Rule of 9s
Used with Adults only. A way of quantifying TBSA by dividing the body into 9s or multiple of 9s. Documented as a percent.
Lund-Browder Chart
Used specifically for children and infants. A way of quantifying TBSA and it is based on age.
Superficial Burn
(First-degree) superficial epidermis, minimal/moderate pain, no blistering or erythema. 3-7 days healing time
Superficial partial-thickness Burn
(Superficial second-degree) Epidermis and upper dermis layer, significant pain, wet blistering and erythema, heals in 1-3 weeks
Deep partial-thickness burn
(deep second-degree) Epidermis and deep dermis, hair follicles, and sweat glands. pain is severe, erythema present with or without blister. heals 3-5 weeks
Full thickness burn
(third-degree) involves epidermis, dermis, hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings. pain free, no sensation to light touch. pale and non-blanching, requires skin graft, high potential for hypertrophic scar
Subdermal Burn
full thickness bone with additional damage to underlying tissue like fat, muscles, bone. Charring present, peripheral nerve damage is significant, requires surgical intervention or amputation. extremely high potential for hypertrophic scar
Emergent Phase
0-72 hours after injury: medical treatment focuses on sustaining life, controlling infection, managing pain. High risk for dehydration, hyper/hypothermia, and cardiopulm instability.
OT focuses on splinting in antideformity positions and information gathering on affected joints and prior level of function.
Acute phase
72 hours after injury or until wound is closed (days to months) Medical focuses on infection control, pain management, proper nutrition, cardiopulm stability, hydration
OT focuses on Evaluation of function, motion, cognition, psychosocial, physical, pain. Intervention with antideformity splinting, edema management, participation in ADLs, education. Use compression garments when necessary
(wait 5-7 days after graft placement for any movement)
Rehabilitation Phase
After wound is closed. Medical focuses on skin grafts, reconstruction surgery,
OT focuses on Skin conditioning to prevent dry out, and provide desensitization to graft or burn sight or scar. Scar management with compression therapy. TherEx/Activity, splinting, ADLs, education and transitional planning,
Surgical and Postoperative phase
requires postoperative immobilization period after skin graft to allow adherence. between 3 and 10 days. Focus on positioning. Continue with exercise and activity of uninvolved areas
Outpatient and Community reintegration phase
scar management, skin conditioning (sensitivity), psychosocial adjustment in case of PTSD or disfigurement
Hypertrophic Scar
a scar that becomes firmer, thicker, and rises above original surface level of skin due to increased vascularity. most apparent at 6-8 weeks. use compression band therapy until scar matures (1-2 years)
