Burns Mar 7 Flashcards
What are the main functions of the skin?
Protection from pathogens, retention of fluid, thermoregulation
The skin is essential for preventing infections and maintaining homeostasis.
What are the two layers of the skin?
Epidermis, Dermis
These layers play critical roles in skin function and healing.
What is the most common type of burn?
Thermal burns
These result from exposure to hot surfaces, flames, or liquids.
What temperature defines a thermal burn from hot liquids?
Above 115º F
Boiling water is at 212º F (100º C).
What percentage of burns are estimated to be preventable?
75%
Awareness and safety measures can significantly reduce burn incidents.
What are the primary concerns with electrical burns?
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Common arrhythmias include PVCs, VT, and Vfib.
What factors determine the severity of electrical burns?
- Type of current
- Amount of current
- Path of current
- Duration of contact with current
These factors influence the extent of tissue damage.
What types of chemicals commonly cause chemical burns?
- Strong acids
- Strong bases
These chemicals can cause severe tissue damage upon contact.
What are the signs and symptoms of chemical burns?
- Redness
- Irritation
- Burning at the site
- Blisters or black dead skin
- Vision changes if in eyes
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
Symptoms vary depending on the type and extent of exposure.
What is the primary method for treating chemical burns?
Flush with copious amounts of water
Irrigation may need to continue for over 30 minutes for alkali burns.
What are the three types of radiation?
- Alpha
- Beta
- Gamma
Each type has different levels of energy and penetration abilities.
What is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?
A by-product of combustion that binds to hemoglobin more effectively than oxygen
It leads to hypoxia due to lack of oxygen absorption.
What are the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning?
- Altered LOC
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fainting
Skin color may remain normal; cherry red skin is not always present.
What is a first-degree burn?
Involves the epidermis only, characterized by redness, tenderness, and no blisters
Also called a superficial burn.
What distinguishes a second-degree burn from a first-degree burn?
Formation of blisters
Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and some dermis.
What is a third-degree burn?
Involves the entire epidermis and dermis, may affect deeper tissues
Characterized by a white leathery appearance.
What is the Rule of Nines used for?
To determine the total body surface area (BSA) burned
Different for adults and children due to body size variations.
What is the Parkland formula for fluid resuscitation?
4 cc/kg/BSA burn (2nd and 3rd degree) over the first 24 hours
1/2 of the fluid should be given in the first 8 hours.
What is the appropriate initial cooling method for burns?
Cool with clean water for a maximum of 1-2 minutes
Longer cooling can cause hypothermia and shock.
