SR 39 - Burns Flashcards
Define TBSA
Total Body Surface Area
Define STSG
Split thickness skin graft
Are acid or alkali chemical burns more serious?
ALKALI
Body cannot buffer it - they burn for longer
Why are electrical burns so dangerous?
Internal destruction along areas of least resistance - nerves, blood vessels, fascia Cardiac dysrhythmias Myoglobinuria Acidosis Renal failure
How do you treat myoglobinuria?
To avoid renal injury - HAM
- Hydration with IV fluids
- Alkalization with IV bicarbonate
- Mannitol diuresis
Define first-degree burn
Epidermis only
Define second-degree burn
Epidermis and varying levels of dermis
Define third-degree burn
Full thickness
All the layers, including the dermis
Define fourth-degree burn
Burn injury into bone or muscle tissue
How do first-degree burns present?
Painful, dry, red - no blisters
Sunburn
How do second-degree burns present?
Painful, hypersensitive, swollen, mottled areas with blisters, open weeping
How do third-degree burns present?
Painless, insensate, swollen, dry mottled white, charred area
Described as dried leather
How do you determine burn severity?
Depth of burn and TBSA
What is the rule of nines?
TBSA determination Each upper limb = 9% Each lower limb = 18% Anterior and posterior trunk = 18% each Head and neck = 9% Perineum and genitalia = 1%
What is the rule of the palm?
Palm of hand = 1% TBSA
Good for smaller burns
Burn center referral criteria for second-degree burns?
> 20% TBSA
>10% in children and elderly
Burn center referral criteria for third-degree burns?
> 5% TBSA
Burn center referral criteria for any burns?
On the face, hands, feet perineum
Associated with inhalation injury
Associated with trauma
Any electrical burn
Treatment of first-degree burns?
Keep clean
Neosporin
Pain meds
Treatment of second-degree burns?
Remove blister
Antibiotic ointment (Silvadene) and dressing
Pain meds
Generally do not need skin grafting (epidermis grows from hair follicles and from margins)
What are some newer options for treating a second-degree burn?
Biobrane (silicone artificial epidermis - temporary)
Silverlon (silver ion dressing)
What is the treatment of third-degree burns?
Early excision of eschar (Within first week postburn)
STSG
How can you decrease bleeding during excision?
Tourniquests as possible
Topical epinephrine
Topical thrombin
What is the thickness of the STSG?
10/1000 to 15/1000 of an inch (down to dermal layer)