Chapter 27: Soft Tissue Injuries

Question 1

4 Types of Burns?

Answer 1

Thermal: Heat (1st, 2nd, and 3rd)
Radiation: Exposure to high energy radiation (x-rays and all that)
Chemicals: These burns are due to strong acids, alkalies, detergents, or solvents coming into contact with the skin or eyes.
Electricity: Electrical Current

Question 2

Degrees of Burns

Answer 2

First-degree (superficial) burns
First-degree burns affect only the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. The burn site is red, painful, dry, and with no blisters. Mild sunburn is an example. Long-term tissue damage is rare and usually involves an increase or decrease in the skin color.

Second-degree (partial thickness) burns
Second-degree burns involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.

Third-degree (full thickness) burns
Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. Third-degree burns may also damage the underlying bones, muscles, and tendons. When bones, muscles, or tendons are also burned, this may be referred to as a fourth-degree burn. The burn site appears white or charred. There is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

Question 3

Compartment Syndrome

Answer 3

Swelling in a confined space (pressure) that cuts off blood flow causing damage to sensitive tissue.

Question 4

Occlusive Dressing

Answer 4

Airtight dressing that protects wounds from air and bacteria.

Question 5

Closed Injuries

Answer 5

Contusions, crushing, and hematoma

Question 6

Treatment of Closed

Answer 6

R: rest - comfort
I: ice - constricts blood flow, alleviates pain
C: compression - stops bleeding by compressing blood vessels
E: elevation: reduces swelling
S: splinting: decrease bleed + pain

Question 7

Treatment Burns

Answer 7

Stop burn, remove jewlery, cool the wound, moniter airway and breathing (burns airway = swelling D:), apply high flow O2, estimate burn %, apply dressing and blanket (thermoregulate), treat for shock