Burns Injury

Question 1

how are burns injuries assessed

Answer 1

burn size as a % of total body surface and depth

Question 2

how is depth classified

Answer 2

from 1st to 4th degree

Question 3

what is the most common cause of burn

Answer 3

fire

Question 4

what can causes of burns be categorised into

Answer 4

thermal burns
electrical burns
chemical burns
non-accidental burns

Question 5

what are causes of thermal burns

Answer 5

fire, hot liquid, contact with heated object

Question 6

what problems can burns caused

Answer 6

local problems

systemic problems

Question 7

when do systemic problems occur

Answer 7

with burns >20% of total body surface area

Question 8

what are the systemic problems of burns

Answer 8

cardiac output can double with severe burns

accelerated gluconeogenesis, insulin resistance and increased protein catabolism (breakdown)

Question 9

what is the standard classification of burns

Answer 9

depth

Question 10

what are the categories in depth classification

Answer 10

1st degree burns
2nd degree burns
3rd degree burns
4th degree burns

Question 11

what are features of first degree burns

Answer 11

redness of epidermis only

dry and painful

Question 12

what is an example of a first degree burn

Answer 12

sunburn

Question 13

what are features of second degree burns

Answer 13

involves epidermis and dermis

wet and painful

Question 14

what is an example of a second degree burn

Answer 14

scalding injury

Question 15

what are features of a third degree burn

Answer 15

involves epidermis and dermis

dry and lacks sensation (due to appendage involvement)

Question 16

what is an example of a third degree burn

Answer 16

flame

Question 17

what are features of a 4th degree burn

Answer 17

involvement of subcutanoues tissue tendon and bone

Question 18

what is an example of a 4th degree burn

Answer 18

high voltage electrical injury

Question 19

what distinguishes 2nd degree and 3rd degree burns

Answer 19

3rd degree patient will be unable to feel burn

Question 20

risk factors

Answer 20

young children

elderly

Question 21

how do burns patients present

Answer 21

red burns
dry+painful - 1st degree
wet+painful - 2nd degree
dry +painless - 3rd degree
burns affecting tissue, subcutaneous tissue, tendon or bone - 4th degree

Question 22

what is the most common wound infection associated with burns

Answer 22

cellulitis

Question 23

what organism commonly causes cellulitis

Answer 23

s aureus

Question 24

what in the eye suggests serious burn

Answer 24

clouded cornea

Question 25

what is the ‘rule of nines’

Answer 25

refers to % of total body surface area
head + neck 9%
LL - 18%
UL - 9%
anterior or posterior torso - 18%

Question 26

what % total body surface area is affected with burning of the palm

Answer 26

1%

Question 27

what investigations are used for possible inhalation injury

Answer 27

ABG - metabolic acidosis

carboxyhaemoglobin

Question 28

investigations for burns

Answer 28

FBC

• severe burns are indicated by low haematocrit and hypovolaemia
• neutropenia and thrombocytopenia indicate sepsis