Burns Injury Flashcards
how are burns injuries assessed
burn size as a % of total body surface and depth
how is depth classified
from 1st to 4th degree
what is the most common cause of burn
fire
what can causes of burns be categorised into
thermal burns
electrical burns
chemical burns
non-accidental burns
what are causes of thermal burns
fire, hot liquid, contact with heated object
what problems can burns caused
local problems
systemic problems
when do systemic problems occur
with burns >20% of total body surface area
what are the systemic problems of burns
cardiac output can double with severe burns
accelerated gluconeogenesis, insulin resistance and increased protein catabolism (breakdown)
what is the standard classification of burns
depth
what are the categories in depth classification
1st degree burns
2nd degree burns
3rd degree burns
4th degree burns
what are features of first degree burns
redness of epidermis only
dry and painful
what is an example of a first degree burn
sunburn
what are features of second degree burns
involves epidermis and dermis
wet and painful
what is an example of a second degree burn
scalding injury
what are features of a third degree burn
involves epidermis and dermis
dry and lacks sensation (due to appendage involvement)
what is an example of a third degree burn
flame
what are features of a 4th degree burn
involvement of subcutanoues tissue tendon and bone
what is an example of a 4th degree burn
high voltage electrical injury
what distinguishes 2nd degree and 3rd degree burns
3rd degree patient will be unable to feel burn
risk factors
young children
elderly
how do burns patients present
red burns dry+painful - 1st degree wet+painful - 2nd degree dry +painless - 3rd degree burns affecting tissue, subcutaneous tissue, tendon or bone - 4th degree
what is the most common wound infection associated with burns
cellulitis
what organism commonly causes cellulitis
s aureus
what in the eye suggests serious burn
clouded cornea
what is the ‘rule of nines’
refers to % of total body surface area head + neck 9% LL - 18% UL - 9% anterior or posterior torso - 18%
what % total body surface area is affected with burning of the palm
1%
what investigations are used for possible inhalation injury
ABG - metabolic acidosis
carboxyhaemoglobin
investigations for burns
FBC
- severe burns are indicated by low haematocrit and hypovolaemia
- neutropenia and thrombocytopenia indicate sepsis
