Burns Flashcards Preview

Dermatology > Burns > Flashcards

Flashcards in Burns Deck (19)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What is the immediate first aid in burns caused by heat?

A

Remove person from source

Within 20 mins - irrigate with cold water for 10-30 mins

Cover burn with cling film

2
Q

What is the immediate first aid in electrical burns?

A

Switch off power supply

Remove person from source

3
Q

What is the immediate first aid in chemical burns?

A

Brush any powder off
Irrigate with water

DO NOT attempt to neutralise the chemical

4
Q

How can you assess the extent of the burn?

A

Wallace’s rule of Nines

Lund + Browder chart

Palmar surface

5
Q

What is Wallace’s rule of nines?

A
Head + neck = 9%
Each arm = 9%
Each anterior part of leg = 9%
Each posterior part of leg = 9%
Anterior chest = 9%
Posterior chest = 9%
Anterior abdomen = 9%
Posterior abdomen = 9%
6
Q

How is the palmar surface used to asses the extent of the burn?

A

Palmar surface is approximately 1% of the body surface area

Not accurate for >15%

7
Q

What is the terminology used to assess depth of burn?

A

Superficial epidermal

Partial thickness (superficial dermal)

Partial thickness (deep dermal)

Full thickness

8
Q

What is superficial epidermal also known as?

A

First degree

9
Q

What is partial thickness also known as?

A

Second degree

10
Q

What is full thickness also known as?

A

Third degree

11
Q

What is the appearance of a superficial epidermal burn?

A

Red

Painful

12
Q

What is the appearance of a partial thickness (superficial dermal) burn?

A

Pale
Pink
Painful
Blistered

13
Q

What is the appearance of a partial thickness (deep dermal) burn?

A

White
+/- non-blanching erythema
Reduced sensation

14
Q

What is the appearance of a full thickness burn?

A

White/brown/black
No blisters
No pain

15
Q

When should burns be referred to secondary care?

A

All deep dermal + full thickness burns

Superficial burns >3% TBSA in adults

Superficial burns >2% TBSA in children

Superficial dermal involing

  • face
  • hands
  • feet
  • perineum
  • genitalia
  • circumferential

Inhalational injury

Electrical/chemical burn

16
Q

How are superficial epidermal burns managed?

A

Symptomatic relief

17
Q

How are superficial dermal burns managed?

A
Cleanse wound 
Do not burst blister
Non-adherent dressing 
Avoid topical creams 
Review in 24 hours
18
Q

What is the pathophysiology of severe burns?

A

Local response

  • progressive tissue loss
  • release of inflammatory cytokines

Systemic response

  • fluid loss
  • loss of fluid into third space
  • catabolic response

Immunosuppression

19
Q

How are severe burns managed?

A

ABCDE

IV fluids - use Parkland formula

Escharotomy - divide burnt tissue (circumferential burns)