Wounds + Burns Flashcards
(43 cards)
Define “wound”
a disruption of the continuity of the skin
What is the largest protective organ?
The skin - forms a barrier between the body and external environment.
What are the three layers of the skin?
- epidermis
- dermis
- sub-dermal/sub-cutaneous
What layer of the skin is continuously sloughing off and removed?
epidermis
What 2 components is the dermis composed of? What does this allow for?
Elastin and collagen - gives the tissue flexibility and strength.
What are 6 things contained within the dermis?
- sebaceous (oil) glands
- sweat glands
- hair follicles
- nerve receptors
- blood
- lymphatic vessels
What 3 things are contained within the sub-dermal/sub-cutaneous layer?
- adipose tissues
- large bv’s
- deep hair follicles
Define “abrasion”
a superficial wound with ragged edges - usually resulting from a scrape or tear leading to a loss of skin
Should you let an abrasion air dry to reduce pain?
No - after cleaning, a dressing is applied to keep it moist for pain reduction (the wetter, the better)
Define “laceration”
increased tissue loss with ragged edges
What might be done after a laceration has been cleaned?
sutures or tape may be used to bring edges together
Define “incision”
clean, approximated edges resulting from a sharp edges object (sutures or tape used to secure together)
What is an animal bite a combination of?
crush, laceration and puncture wounds
Define “puncture”
clean edges with a small entry, can penetrate deeply - i.e. bullet wound or stepping on a nail.
Define “burns”
a specific type of wound caused by an external agent of varying severity
What are 7 classifications used to assessing the severity of a burn?
- depth of burn
- amount of tissue burned
- area of burn
- cause of burn
- age of person burned
- pre-existing illness
- associated injuries (i.e. smoke inhalation and #’s)
How many possible degrees are there when assessing depth of a burn?
4 degrees
Describe a 1st degree burn presentation:
redness and pain, and some mild localized edema (affects epidermis)
What can cause a 1st degree burn?
Usually the result of prolonged exposure to low intensity heat or quick exposure to high intensity heat
How does healing of a 1st degree burn present?
Within a week the epidermis sloughs off so healing is rapid and without scar tissue - skin discolouration may occur
What is the distinguishing feature of a 2nd degree burn?
presence of blistering
extends to the dermis aka PARTIAL (superficial or deep) thickness burn
What does the increased depth of a burn, increase the presentation of?
edema, risk of infection and often DECREASED pain
What is the difference between a 3rd and a 4th degree burn?
3rd degree will affect all 3 layers of tissue, whereas 4th degree will affect all 3 skin layers, along with FASCIA, MUSCLE and possibly CLOSELY LYING BONE
4th degree burns are generally painless!
Why is a 4th degree burn painLESS
Due to the depth of tissue damage there will be substantial damage to dermis structure INCLUDING NERVES!
