Burns Key Terms-Burns Key Terms Flashcards
Alpha Radiation
low-level form of nuclear radiation; a weak source of energy that is stopped by clothing or the first layers of skin.
Ampere
basic unit for measuring the strength of an electric current
Baux Score
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
Beta Radiation
medium-strength radiation that is stopped with light clothing or the uppermost layers of skin
Blepharospasm
uncontrolled muscle contractions of the eyelids resulting in tightly closed eyelids
Body Surface Area (BSA)
percentage of a patient’s body affected by a burn
Coagulation Necrosis
the process in which an acid, while destroying tissue, forms an insoluble layer that limits further damage
Current
the rate of flow of an electric charge
Denature
alter the usual substance of something
Emergent phase
first stage of the burn process that is characterized by a catecholamine release and pain- mediated reaction
Eschar
hard, leathery product of a deep full thickness burn; it consists of dead and denatured skin.
Extravascular Space
The volume contained within the cells (intracellular space) and the spaces between the cells (interstitial space)
Fluid Shift Phase
Stage of the burn process in which there is a massive shift of fluid from the intravascular to extravascular space
Full Thickness Burns
burn that damages all layers of the skin; characterized by areas that are painless and often dry; also called a third degree burn.
Gamma Radiation
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
Gray
A unit of absorbed radiation dose equal to 100rads.
Hyper-metabolic Phase
Stage of the burn process in which there is increased body metabolism in an attempt by the body to heal the burn.
Intravascular Space
The volume contained by all the arteries, veins, capillaries, and other components of the circulatory system.
Ionization
the process of changing a substance into separate charged particle ions
Jackson’s Theory of Thermal Wounds
explanation of the physical effects of thermal burns
Joule’s Law
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
Liquefaction Necrosis
The process in which an alkali dissolves and liquefies tissue
Neutron Radiation
Powerful radiation with penetrating properties between that of beta and gamma radiation
Ohm
Basic unit for measuring the strength of electrical resistance
Ohm’s Law
The physical law identifying that the current in an electrical circuit is directly proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional ot the resistance
Partial Thickness Burn
burn in which the epidermis is burned through and the dermis is damaged; characterized by redness and blistering; also called a second degree burn
Rad
basic unit of absorbed radiation dose
Resistance
property of a conductor that opposes the passage of an electric current
Resolution Phase
Final stage of the burn process in which scar tissue is laid down and the healing process is completed
Rule of Nines
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)
Rule of Palms
Method of Estimating amount of BSA burned that sizes the area burned in comparison to the patient’s palmar surface
Subglottic
Reffering to the lower airway
Supraglottic
Referring to the upper airway
Superficial Burn
a burn that involves only the epidermis; characterized by reddening of the skin; also called a first degree burn
Voltage
the difference of electric potential between two points with different concentrations of electrons
Zone of Coagulation
Area in a burn nearest the heat source that suffers the most damage and is characterized by clotted blood and thromboses blood vessels
Zone of Hyperemia
area peripheral to a burn that is characterized by increased blood flow
Zone of Stasis
Area in a burn surrounding the zone of coagulation that is characterized by decreased blood flow.
