Burns

Question 1

The four C’s for managing minor burns

Answer 1

Cooling, Cleaning, Covering and Comfort

Question 2

What does the cooling process involve

Answer 2

Run cool tap water over the burn for max 20 minutes (limit depth of burn)

Question 3

What does cleaning a minor burn involve

Answer 3

Sterile water or normal saline, irrigation or swabbing technique

Question 4

Covering for superficial second degree burns

Answer 4

Paraffin-gauze dressing like Bactigras, Jelonet, Adaptic or silver-containing dressing like Aquacel Ag or Acticoat

Question 5

Covering for first degree burns

Answer 5

With or without dressing, but can use lotion, antibacterial ointments, aloe vera or honey

Question 6

Covering for small burns

Answer 6

Two layers of paraffin-gauze then secondary dressing

Question 7

Covering for larger burns or burns with mixed depths

Answer 7

Silver containing dressing

Question 8

Analgesia for first degree burns

Answer 8

Adequately managed with acetaminophen and NSAIDs

Question 9

Analgesia for superficial secondary degree burns

Answer 9

Opioid analgesia

Question 10

What is escharotomy

Answer 10

Emergency surgical procedure involving incising through areas of burnt skin to release to escharr and constrictive areas, restore distal circulation and allow adequate ventilation

Question 11

When is escharotomy required

Answer 11

May be required for circumferential burns to the chest, especially if they are restricting ventilation

Question 12

Which chemical burns can water worsen

Answer 12

Calcium oxide, phenol, sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid