Full Thickness Burn CAT

Question 1

What is a full-thickness burn?

Answer 1

• Complete destruction of the epidermis, dermis, hair follicle, and nerve endings within the dermis
• Affects the subcutaneous fat layer and underlying muscles (results in RBC destruction)

Question 2

Who is at most risk for full-thickness burns?

Answer 2

• Children 1-5 years
• Adults 70+
• Males > females

Question 3

Clinical presentation for full-thickness burns

Answer 3

• Deep red, black, or white coloring
• Eschar forms and creates a dry and hard layer that requires debridement
• Edema is present at site of injury
• No sensation or pain at the site, pain in areas adjacent to the burn due to partial thickness
• Temp regulation impaired, shortness of breath, electrolyte disturbance, poor urine output, varied levels of consciousness

Question 4

Role of labs/imaging

Answer 4

Gets a baseline

Question 5

Common complications w/ full-thickness burns

Answer 5

• Infection
• Hypertrophic scarring
• Contractures

Question 6

PT management of full-thickness burns

Answer 6

• Wound care
• Pulmonary exercises
• Positioning
• Splinting, Immobilization for first 3-5 days
• Ambulation and mobility activities ASAP to manage edema

Question 7

What do mortality rates look like with full-thickness burns?

Answer 7

Highest w/ kids younger than 4 and adults over 65