Burns Flashcards
what is the largest organ in the body?
the skin
What is the skins function?
barrier, keeps fluids in and bacteria out, sensory and temperature organ.
How long does it take to grow new skin?
2-3 weeks
what level of the skin can we burn to and have skin grow back?
To the dermis
estimates of burn sizes?
Trunks/ lower extremities=18% and upper extremities and head=9%
what is a first degree burn?
usually just the epidermis; usually not significant, can heal without scarring
What is a second degree burn?
burn to the dermis
what is a third degree burn?
burnt through the dermis and beyond it, gonna need skin graphs
what is an inhalation injury?
damage to the lower a/w from inhalation of toxic gases, smoke, soot, and steam.
what is the upper a/w good at doing?
Cooling superheated gases, burns are very rare below the trachea.
what may a concurrent injury be caused by?
Carbon Monoxide inhalation
what are some indications of smoke inhalation?
exposed to smoke in enclosed space, was unconscious while exposed to smoke, develops dyspnea, cough or chest pain after being exposed to smoke
what are signs of upper a/w burn?
burns to the face, sooty sputum, singed eyebrows or nasal hairs, hoarse voice
what are some major problems associated with a/w burns?
airway edema and possible a/w occlusion, airway swelling high risk, prophylactic fiberoptic intubation.
what are chemical burns?
toxic vapours affect lower resp tract, combines with water in the lungs to produce strong acids and bases, very irritating to tissues
