1. Types of burn - 2. 2 ways to classify burns Answer Depth of inj...

NUR 220 Burns

• Types of burn

Answer Thermal, electrical, radiation, chemical. Two most common are flame and scald.

• 2 ways to classify burns

Answer Depth of injury. Percent of total body surface area.

• Classification of burns by depth

Answer Superficial (first degree)

Epidermis only. Superficial partial thickness (second degree)

Epidermis, portion of dermis.

Deep partial thickness (second degree) Epidermis, upper dermis, portion of deep dermis.Full thickness (third degree)

Epidermis, dermis, sometimes subcutaneous tissue, connective tissue, muscle, bone.

Some authorities have category called deep full thickness (fourth degree) if under- lying fascia, muscle, and bone are involved.

• Causes of superficial and superficial partial thickness burns

Answer Sunburn. Low intensity flash burn. 1 / 3

• Causes of deep partial thickness burns

Answer Scalds. Flash.Contact.

• Causes of full thickness burns

Answer Flame. Prolonged exposure to hot liquid.

Electrical current.Chemical contact.

• Manifestations of superficial burn

Answer Tingling, hyperesthesia, pain soothed by cooling.

Red skin. Blanches with pressure. Skin is dry. Minimal or no edema.

• Manifestations of superficial partial thickness burn

Answer Very painful. Pink, moist, blistered.Minimal or no edema.

• Manifestations of deep partial thickness burn

Answer Pain, hyperesthesia, sensitive to cold air.

Blistered.Mottled red base.Weeping surface.Edema.

• Manifestations of full thickness burn 2 / 3

Answer Pain free (nerve endings destroyed). Shock.

Hematuria and possible hemolysis.Dry, pale, white, leathery, or charred skin.Fat and underlying structures exposed or involved.

Edema.Hair follicles and sweat glands destroyed.

• Recovery from superficial or superficial partial thickness burn

Answer Recovery in about a week with no scarring. There may be peeling.

• Recovery from deep partial thickness burn

Answer Recovery in 2-4 weeks. Some scarring and depigmentation.If infected, it may become full thickness burn.

• Recovery from full thickness burn

Answer Grafting necessary. Forms eschar, which sloughs.

Scarring, loss of contour and function, contractures. Loss of digits or extremities possible.

• First aid for burns, do's and don'ts

Answer Do use tap water to cool area. Do not use ice on large burns (hypothermia).Remove jewelry (retains heat, acts as tourniquet if tissue swells).

• 2 methods to estimate total body surface area of burn

Answer Rule of 9's

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