Burns

Question 1

3 depths of burns

Answer 1

Superficial Burns
Epidermal Burns
Superficial Dermal Burns

Mid-Dermal Burns
Partial Thickness

Deep Burns
Deep Dermal Burns
Full Thickness Burns

Question 2

Presentation of burns

Answer 2

Superficial
Red/Pale pink appearance
No/Small blisters
Painful
Heal quickly

Mid-Dermal
Dark pink appearance
Blisters and tissue oedema
Sensation decreased 
Painful

Deep burns
Blotchy red/white/waxy appearance
No blisters
No sensation
Skin will not heal – severe scarring.

Question 3

management of burns injuries

Answer 3

DO NOT GET DISTRACTED BY AN OBVIOUS BURN INJURY!!

ABCDE

Stop the burning process

Cool the burn wound under cold running water for 20 minutes

Check for any singeing around mouth and/or nose

Check RR and adequate chest expansion. Provide high flow O2

Remove constrictions

Remove hot or wet clothing not adhering to skin

Cover burn with sheets of Clingfilm

Apply sterile dressing

Treat for shock (consider fluids if appropriately trained)

NO creams, lotions or bursting blisters.

Apply cling film in strips. Do not wrap around limbs/trunk.

Apply cling film/burns dressing to face. Avoid covering mouth, nose and eyes

Hands and feet in burn bags

Encourage mobility of hands and feet

Circumferential burns may need escharotomy.

Question 4

Assesment of burns area adult

Answer 4

The “Rule of Nines” divides the body surface into areas of 9% or multiples of 9%

Head & Neck = 9%
Chest & Abdomen = 18%
Back = 9%
Arm & Hand = 9% each
Whole leg & foot = 18% each
Genital region = 1%

Question 5

Assessing burns area of a child

Answer 5

Head & Neck = 18%
Chest & Abdomen =18% 
Back = 18%
Arm & Hand = 9% each
Whole leg & Foot =14% each

Question 6

Signs and symptoms of smoke inhalation or airway burns

Answer 6

uick look/quick history – was the patient in a confined space?

Observe for-
Burns or soot around mouth/nose
Singed nasal and facial hair
Stained sputum
Swelling around face, lips or mouth

Listen for –
Hoarse voice
Productive cough
Inspiratory stridor

Question 7

Treatment for smoke inhalations / airway burns

Answer 7

ABCDE

High flow oxygen

Frequent monitoring for respiratory deterioration

Closely monitor airway for deterioration (swelling may not be immediate).