Study Guide Exam #2

Question 1

Superficial

Answer 1

1st degree burn. Damage to epidermis. Example: Sunburn.

Heals 3-6 days. No scarring.

Question 2

Superficial partial thickness

Answer 2

2nd degree burn. Damage to the entire epidermis and some parts of the dermis.
Example: Flame or burn scalds.

Painful. Heals 10-21 days. No scarring.

Question 3

Deep partial thickness

Answer 3

Damage to entire epidermis and deep into the dermis.
Examples: flame and burns, grease, tar, or chemical burns, exposure to hot objects for prolonged time.

Painful 3-6 weeks. Scarring likely. Possible grafting.

Question 4

xenograft

Answer 4

pigskin

Question 5

xenograft

Answer 5

pigskin. For partial thickness burns.

Question 6

explain how to treat a chemical burn. What are the complications of chemical burns.

Answer 6

Can be liquid or dry.

Liquids must be removed with copious amounts of water.

Dry chemicals must be brushed off.

Question 7

amnion

Answer 7

Obtained from human placenta. Requires frequent changes.

Question 8

explain how to treat a chemical burn. What are the complications of chemical burns.

Answer 8

Can be liquid or dry.

Liquids must be removed with copious amounts of water.

Dry chemicals must be brushed off.

Complications:Deep tissue damage,Heart attack, Death - rare, Systemic reaction, Scarring, Blindness, Seizures, Gastrointestinal tract damage

Question 9

explain and be able to use the rule of nines for estimating burns.

Answer 9

Method to approximate the extent of burns by divings the body parts into multiples of 9. Total sum = total body surface area TBSA.

Question 10

discuss circumferential burns, including priorities of care.

Answer 10

A deep full thickness burn that is a problem around the chest or abdomen. Oedema and swelling in the tissue deep to the burn cause the unyielding overlying burnt skin (‘eschar’) to act like a tourniquet. In a limb this will result in interference with distal blood flow.

Question 11

list the priorities of emergent burn care.

Answer 11

ABC’s

Question 12

how does the nurse evaluate the effectiveness of fluid replacement in the burn patient

Answer 12

• Monitor fluid volume status. With daily and maintain I&O
• Monitor labs to compare data
• Administer IV fluids and electrolytes (not potassium)

Question 13

how are pain meds administered in the burn patient

Answer 13

Topically

Question 14

list the tissues involved in a full thickness burn

Answer 14

epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer.

Question 15

what type of diet is necessary for the burn client who is beginning to take oral feeds and why

Answer 15

The client might need 5,000 calories a day to prevent hypoglycemia. Increased protein will be needed to prevent tissue breakdown and promote healing.

Question 16

explain the pathophysiology of curling’s ulcer. how is it treated

Answer 16

Stress ulcers: An ulcer in the duodenum in clients who have severe burns on the surface of the body.

hypovolemia due to fluid shifts into the tissue –> diminished blood flow to the gastric mucosa –> paralysis of the GI tract –> increased susceptibility to hydrochloride acid –> erosion of the gastric mucosa with non-inflammatory ulcerations.

Question 17

which tissues are usually affected in the client who has sustained electrical burns

Answer 17

Electrical burns can cause severe damage in organs, tissue destruction with subsequent need for amputation of a lim, and cardiac and/or respiratory arrest.

Question 18

what med is used to treat a burn client with a pseudomonas infection

Answer 18

Silver nitrate 0.5%

Question 19

burns of which part of the body pose the greatest risk for life threatening complications

Answer 19

The chest, neck, and face pose a risk to the respiratory system. Airway is #1.

Question 20

why do patients with major burns need to be kept npo initially

Answer 20

Because of decreased GI motility. They will be in a hyper metabolic and hyper catabolic state.

Question 21

why is a urinary catheter usually ordered for the burn client in the emergent/acute phase of a burn injury

Answer 21

Output needs to be monitored from Parkland Formula.

Question 22

list the priorities of burn care and explain why you chose the order

Answer 22

• ABC’s #1.
• Fluid and Electrolyte
• Prevent infection

Question 23

list 5 nursing interventions when caring for a client with major burns over 50% of the body

Answer 23

• Monitor airways and ventilation
• Assist client to cough and deep breath
• Suction hourly as needed
• Keep HOB elevated at all times
• Maintain cardiac output