Burns Flashcards
(19 cards)
Q: What are the five major functions of the skin affected by burn injuries?
A: Thermoregulation, fluid and electrolyte balance, immune response, protection from bacterial invasion, and neurosensory interface.
Q: What is the Rule of Nines used for?
A: Estimating the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns.
What are the three burn zones in Jackson’s burn wound model?
Zone of coagulation, zone of stasis, zone of hyperaemia.
Describe a superficial (epidermal) burn.
Only the outer epidermal layer is affected, usually from sunburn, painful with no medical treatment required.
Describe a superficial dermal burn.
Pale pink, painful, some blistering, capillary refill present, usually heals without significant treatment.
Describe a mid-dermal burn.
Dark pink, sluggish capillary refill, blisters, may have reduced sensation, usually heals without scarring.
Describe a deep dermal burn.
Often painful, capillary refill absent or sluggish, slower to heal, often results in scarring.
Describe a full-thickness burn.
Destroys all skin layers, no sensation, appears white/charred/leathery, heals with scarring or requires grafting/amputation.
What is the initial first aid for burn injuries?
Stop the burning process, cool the burn with running water for 20 minutes, cover with a clean dressing, avoid hypothermia.
What is the Modified Parkland Formula for fluid resuscitation?
2ml x TBSA (%) x body weight (kg), half in first 8 hrs, half in next 16 hrs.
When is fluid resuscitation indicated?
In burns >10% TBSA in adults, >5% in children, or full thickness burns.
What are the three elements of smoke inhalation?
Upper airway injury (inflammation/edema), lower airway injury (toxins), and systemic toxicity (e.g., carbon monoxide).
What is the most common systemic intoxication in burns?
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – forms carboxyhaemoglobin.
How should chemical burns be managed prehospitally?
Wear PPE, irrigate thoroughly, avoid washing chemical over unaffected areas, remove contaminated clothing.
What are key considerations in electrical burns?
Treat cardiac arrhythmias, monitor ECG, consider compartment syndrome, ensure scene safety first.
How should bitumen burns be treated?
Cool thoroughly but avoid hypothermia, don’t remove bitumen unless compromising ABCs.
Why are burns more severe in children?
Thinner skin, larger BSA to body mass ratio, greater risk of heat and fluid loss.
What are red flags for non-accidental burns in children?
Clear burn lines, lack of splatter, inconsistent history with developmental age.
List at least three burn referral criteria.
Burns >10% TBSA (adult), full thickness >5%, burns to face/hands/genitalia, electrical or chemical burns, inhalation injuries, or suspected abuse.
