Burns Key Terms-Burns Key Terms

Question 1

Alpha Radiation

Answer 1

low-level form of nuclear radiation; a weak source of energy that is stopped by clothing or the first layers of skin.

Question 2

Ampere

Answer 2

basic unit for measuring the strength of an electric current

Question 3

Baux Score

Answer 3

scoring system for burn severity that takes into account the burn victim’s age, percentage of surface area burned, and significant respiratory involvement with a resulting score reflecting seriousness/mortlity

Question 4

Beta Radiation

Answer 4

medium-strength radiation that is stopped with light clothing or the uppermost layers of skin

Question 5

Blepharospasm

Answer 5

uncontrolled muscle contractions of the eyelids resulting in tightly closed eyelids

Question 6

Body Surface Area (BSA)

Answer 6

percentage of a patient’s body affected by a burn

Question 7

Coagulation Necrosis

Answer 7

the process in which an acid, while destroying tissue, forms an insoluble layer that limits further damage

Question 8

Current

Answer 8

the rate of flow of an electric charge

Question 9

Denature

Answer 9

alter the usual substance of something

Question 10

Emergent phase

Answer 10

first stage of the burn process that is characterized by a catecholamine release and pain- mediated reaction

Question 11

Eschar

Answer 11

hard, leathery product of a deep full thickness burn; it consists of dead and denatured skin.

Question 12

Extravascular Space

Answer 12

The volume contained within the cells (intracellular space) and the spaces between the cells (interstitial space)

Question 13

Fluid Shift Phase

Answer 13

Stage of the burn process in which there is a massive shift of fluid from the intravascular to extravascular space

Question 14

Full Thickness Burns

Answer 14

burn that damages all layers of the skin; characterized by areas that are painless and often dry; also called a third degree burn.

Question 15

Gamma Radiation

Answer 15

powerful electromagnetic radiation emitted by radioactive substances with powerful penetrating properties; it is stronger than alpha and beta radiation. Similar to x-rays which are generally less energetic

Question 16

Gray

Answer 16

A unit of absorbed radiation dose equal to 100rads.

Question 17

Hyper-metabolic Phase

Answer 17

Stage of the burn process in which there is increased body metabolism in an attempt by the body to heal the burn.

Question 18

Intravascular Space

Answer 18

The volume contained by all the arteries, veins, capillaries, and other components of the circulatory system.

Question 19

Ionization

Answer 19

the process of changing a substance into separate charged particle ions

Question 20

Jackson’s Theory of Thermal Wounds

Answer 20

explanation of the physical effects of thermal burns

Question 21

Joule’s Law

Answer 21

The physical law stating that the rate of heat production is directly proportional to the resistance of the circuit and to the square of the current

Question 22

Liquefaction Necrosis

Answer 22

The process in which an alkali dissolves and liquefies tissue

Question 23

Neutron Radiation

Answer 23

Powerful radiation with penetrating properties between that of beta and gamma radiation

Question 24

Ohm

Answer 24

Basic unit for measuring the strength of electrical resistance

Question 25

Ohm’s Law

Answer 25

The physical law identifying that the current in an electrical circuit is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional ot the resistance

Question 26

Partial Thickness Burn

Answer 26

burn in which the epidermis is burned through and the dermis is damaged; characterized by redness and blistering; also called a second degree burn

Question 27

Rad

Answer 27

basic unit of absorbed radiation dose

Question 28

Resistance

Answer 28

property of a conductor that opposes the passage of an electric current

Question 29

Resolution Phase

Answer 29

Final stage of the burn process in which scar tissue is laid down and the healing process is completed

Question 30

Rule of Nines

Answer 30

method of estimating amour of BSA burned by division of the body into regions, each of which represents approximately 9 percent of total BSA (Plus 1% for Genital Region)

Question 31

Rule of Palms

Answer 31

Method of Estimating amount of BSA burned that sizes the area burned in comparison to the patient’s palmar surface

Question 32

Subglottic

Answer 32

Reffering to the lower airway

Question 33

Supraglottic

Answer 33

Referring to the upper airway

Question 34

Superficial Burn

Answer 34

a burn that involves only the epidermis; characterized by reddening of the skin; also called a first degree burn

Question 35

Voltage

Answer 35

the difference of electric potential between two points with different concentrations of electrons

Question 36

Zone of Coagulation

Answer 36

Area in a burn nearest the heat source that suffers the most damage and is characterized by clotted blood and thromboses blood vessels

Question 37

Zone of Hyperemia

Answer 37

area peripheral to a burn that is characterized by increased blood flow

Question 38

Zone of Stasis

Answer 38

Area in a burn surrounding the zone of coagulation that is characterized by decreased blood flow.