Burns Flashcards
What are the types of burns?
Scald- wet heat burn, most common and generally superficial
Thermal- dry heat burns, generally smaller but deeper
Chemical
Electrical
Radiation- e.g. sunburn, always superficial but can be extensive
What are the “zones” in burns?
Zone of coagulative necrosis- cell death
Zone of stasis- damaged but viable tissue
Zone of hyperaemia- returns to normal after inflammatory response resolves
What is the first aid management of burns?
Cold water for 20 minutes- analgesia and stop progression of necrosis
Wrap in clingfilm
What is the primary management of burns?
ABCD
Fluid resus
Prophylactic PPI
When is fluid resus needed in burns?
TBSA burned >10% in children or 15% in adults
When and hy are prophylactic PPIs given in burns?
Severe burns to prevent Curling’s ulcer
What tools are used to calculate % total body area?
Lung Bowel chart- most accurate but time consuming and hard to remember
Rule of 9s
What is the rule of 9s?
Head= 9% Arms= 9% each Leg= 18% each Torso= 18% each front and back
What are the severity of burns?
(1st degree) Superficial
(2nd) Superficial partial thickness
(2nd) Deep partial thickness
(3rd) Full thickness
What are the features of superficial burns?
Red, without blisters
Dry, painful
Heal well in 5-10 days
What are the features of superficial partial thickness burns?
Red with clear blister
Blanches with pressure, very flow capillary refill
Moist and VERY painful
Heal in 2-3 weeks with generally no scarring
What are the features of deep partial thickness burns?
Yellow or white with less blanching and slow/absent capillary refill
Some blisters
Pressure and discomfort
Head in 3-8 weeks with scarring, contractures
What are the features of full thickness burns?
Stiff and white/brown
No blanching
Dry and painless
Incomplete healing, required graft/amputation
What are the features of 4th degree burns?
Black and charred, dry and painless
Required excision/amputation
What burns may require a skin graft?
Deep partial thickness and full thickness
