Burns & Cancer

Question 1

Define: burns

Answer 1

Burns: tissue damage and cell death caused by intense heat, electricity, UV (sun), or chemicals (acids) → all of which denature proteins and cause cellular death

Question 2

What are 2 major things that happen to the body when you receive a burn? (2)

Answer 2

1. Body loses its supply of fluids containing proteins and electrolytes
2. Dehydration and electrolyte damage follows

Question 3

List 2 potentially life-threatening consequences of burns in relation to body systems. (2)

Answer 3

1. Shutdown of the kidneys

2. Circulatory shock

Question 4

What layer is damaged during 1st degree burns? (1)

Answer 4

Superficial epidermis

Question 5

What layers are damaged during 2nd degree burns? (2)

Answer 5

1. Epidermis

2. Superficial part of the dermis

Question 6

What layers are damaged during 3rd degree burns? (3)

Answer 6

1. Epidermis
2. Dermis
3. Subcutaneous tissue

Question 7

What additional layers are damaged during 4th degree burns?

Answer 7

Deep into tissues such as muscles, bones, and tendons

Question 8

Differentiate between the 4 degrees of burns in terms of the layers damaged. (4)

Answer 8

1st degree = superficial epidermis
2nd degree = epidermis + dermis
3rd degree = epidermis + dermis + subcutaneous tissue
4th degree = all of the above + muscle + bones + tendons potentially

Question 9

How does the skin appear after a 1st degree burn vs. a 2nd degree burn? (2)

Answer 9

1st degree burn is only red and swollen

2nd degree burn may also be blistered on top of the redness and swelling

Question 10

What colours may 3rd degree burns take on? (3)

Answer 10

1. White
2. Grey
3. Black

Question 11

Is regrowth possible after 2nd degree burns?

Answer 11

Yes - and with no permanent scars if properly cared for

Question 12

Why are 3rd degree burns painful, unlike 1st and 2nd degree burns?

Answer 12

Nerve endings in this area are destroyed → burned area is not painful

Question 13

Beyond 2nd degree burns, what must be done to damaged tissues? (2)

Answer 13

1. Skin grafts

2. Amputation if it may save the patient’s life

Question 14

How do 4th degree burns appear?

Answer 14

Dry and leathery

Question 15

List the 4 conditions that categorize burns as being critical. (4)

Answer 15

1. There are 3rd or 4th degree burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals
2. Over 10% of the body has 3rd or 4th degree burns
3. Over 30% of the body has 2nd degree burns
4. Burns affect the airway

Question 16

What are neoplasms?

Answer 16

New, abnormal growth of tissue (tumours)

Question 17

What does it mean for a tumour to “metastasize”?

Answer 17

The tumour spreads to other areas

Question 18

Differentiate between malignant and benign tumours. (2)

Answer 18

1. Malignant = cancerous

2. Benign = generally not harmful

Question 19

Which type of tumour tends to metastasize?

Answer 19

Malignant (cancerous)