Burns Flashcards
(113 cards)
What are some common complications associated with burn injuries?
Cellulitis, osteomyelitis, sepsis
These complications can arise due to the impaired skin barrier and increased risk of infection.
What are the main causal conditions for burn injuries?
- Thermal (flame contact, scald)
- Chemical
- Radiation (UV, medical/therapeutic)
- Electrical
Each type of burn has different mechanisms and potential impacts on the body.
Which type of burns is most common in children?
Scald burns
Children are often more susceptible to scald burns due to hot liquids.
Which type of burns is most common in adults?
Flame burns
Adults are more likely to experience flame burns due to occupational or recreational activities.
What is a consequence of burn injury related to thermoregulation?
Prone to lose body heat
Burn injuries can disrupt the body’s ability to maintain a stable temperature.
What is essential for controlling fluid loss in burn patients?
Must keep patient covered and warm
This helps to prevent hypothermia and excessive fluid loss.
What is the zone of hyperemia in burn injuries?
Vasodilation from inflammation; entirely viable, cells recover within 7 days
This zone contributes to systemic consequences seen with major burns.
What happens in the zone of stasis in burn injuries?
Decreased perfusion; microvascular sludging and thrombosis of vessels results in progressive tissue necrosis + cellular death in 24-48 hours without proper treatment
Early intervention can help prevent further damage in this zone.
What factors favor cell survival in burn injuries?
- Moist, aseptic environment
- Rich blood supply
These conditions are critical for promoting healing and minimizing tissue loss.
What is the zone of coagulation in burn injuries?
No blood flow to tissue; irreversible cell damage + cellular death/necrosis
This zone is the most severely affected area in a burn injury.
Fill in the blank: The amount of tissue destruction in burn wounds is based on _______.
[temperature, time of exposure, specific heat of the causative agent]
These factors influence the severity of burn injuries.
What intervention is required for burn injuries to prevent infection?
Antimicrobial dressings and systemic antibiotics if signs of specific infection present
Infection control is crucial in burn management.
True or False: Tetanus prophylaxis is not necessary if it has been administered previously.
True
Tetanus prophylaxis should be reviewed in burn patients, especially if the burn is severe.
What factors determine the amount of tissue destruction in burn wounds?
Temperature, time of exposure, and specific heat of the causative agent
These factors are critical in assessing the severity of burns.
What is the zone of hyperemia in burn wounds?
Vasodilation from inflammation; entirely viable, cells recover within 7 days
This zone contributes to systemic consequences seen with major burns.
What is the consequence of the zone of stasis in burn wounds?
Decreased perfusion leading to microvascular sludging and thrombosis, resulting in progressive tissue necrosis
Cellular death can occur within 24-48 hours without proper treatment.
What factors favor cell survival in burn injuries?
Moist, aseptic environment and rich blood supply
These conditions are crucial for promoting healing in burn wounds.
What characterizes the zone of coagulation in burn wounds?
No blood flow to tissue, irreversible cell damage, and cellular death/necrosis
This zone represents the most severe damage in burn injuries.
What is the best method for determining prognosis in burn injuries?
Percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned
The Rule of 9s is used for 2nd and 3rd degree burns to estimate TBSA.
What is the Rule of 9s used for?
Estimating the percentage of TBSA burned in adults
For children under 10 years, the Lund-Browder chart is preferred.
What is the significance of age in burn prognosis?
More complications if the patient is under 3 years or over 60 years
Age can significantly impact recovery and outcomes in burn cases.
How can circumferential burns affect a patient?
Can restrict respiratory excursion and/or blood flow
Circumferential burns can restrict respiratory movement and/or blood fow to extremities and require escharotomy ; a small incision in the burned skin to relieve the pressure
What is the impact of inhalation injury on burn patients?
Can severely compromise the respiratory system and affect fluid requirement estimation
It can also lead to increased mortality secondary to ARDS.
What is the approximate percentage of TBSA represented by the surface area covered by a patient’s palm?
Approximately 1% of TBSA
This is useful for estimating burn size for patchy burns.