Integumentary: Burns: Complications

Question 1

Integumentary Complications

Answer 1

• Infections

Question 2

Pulmonary Complications

Answer 2

• Smoke inhalation causing pulmonary edema and airway obstruction.
• Signs include burns to the face and or singed nose hairs.
• Restrictive lung disease is possible with burns to the trunk.
• Pneumonia/pulmonary edema possible

Question 3

Metabolic Complications

Answer 3

• Increased metabolic activity results in:
• Weight loss
• Negative Nitrogen Balance
• Hypermetabolic state may persist for months or years following a burn.

Question 4

Cardiac Complications

Renal and Circulatory Complications

Answer 4

• Fluid and blood loss
• Burns greater than 30% of total body surface area result in decreased renal perfusion and increased risk for acute kidney failure.
• With severe burns possible:
• Hypothermia
• Hypovolemia
• Edema
• Hypoproteinemia
• Tachycardia
• Decreased Urinary Output

Question 5

Hypertrophic Scars

Answer 5

• A raised scar that stays within the boundaries of the burn of the burn wound and is characteristically red, raised and firm.

Question 6

Keloid

Answer 6

• A raised scar the extends beyond the boundaries of the original burn wound and is red raised and firm.
• More common in young women and those with dark skin.