Thermal Injuries

Question 1

Thermal Injury Causes

Answer 1

Thermal injury from heat or cold
Electrical injury
Caustic chemical injury
Radiation 
Inhalation of noxious fumes

Overall the more exposure that occurs increases the severity of the burn

Question 2

1st Degree

Answer 2

Superficial (destruction of epidermis only)
Requires no treatment
Pain & erythema
Heals in 3-5 days

Question 3

2nd Degree

Answer 3

2nd degree superficial partial thickness
destruction of epidermis and some dermis
Blisters present within minutes of injury
Area is red or pale(waxy/white)
Healing takes 3-4 weeks
May be scarring

Question 4

3rd Degree

Answer 4

3rd degree- full thickness
Destruction of epidermis, dermis and underlying SQ tissue
Wound appears white, cherry red or black
Appears dry and leathery from loss of elasticity
Will not heal
Painless

Question 5

4th Degree

Answer 5

4th degree burn- full thickness & deeper
Destruction of epidermis, dermis, SQ, tendons, muscle and bone
Appears black, charred
Will not heal
Requires grafting, possible amputation &/or reconstructive surgery

Question 6

Thermal Injuries Patho

Answer 6

1) Acute burn injury
2) Increases capillary permeability
3) Shifting of fluids into the interstitial space
4) Generalized edema
5) Hypovolemia
6) Tissue Ischemia
7) Hypovolemic burn shock