Burn Types and Classification NPTE: Other Systems

superficial partial-thickness Superficial partial-thickness burns are typically pink or red in color. They present with an inflamed dermis that is erythematous with blanching and brisk capillary refill.

A burn that blanches and exhibits brisk capillary refill would most likely be classified as: epidermal superficial partial-thickness deep partial-thickness full-thickness

superficial partial-thickness burn A superficial partial-thickness burn involves the epidermis and the upper portion of the dermis. The involved area may be extremely painful and exhibit blisters. Healing occurs with minimal to no scarring in 5-21 days

A burn that presents with significant pain and blistering is most likely to be classified as a: superficial burn superficial partial-thickness burn deep partial-thickness burn full thickness burn

false (electrical)

T/F a lightning strike is an example of a radiation burn

true

T/F a subdermal burn involves the complete destruction of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue

false (thermal)

T/F chemical burns result from contact with a hot liquid, fire, or steam

true

T/F deep partial-thickness burns involve complete destruction of the epidermis and the majority of the dermis

superficial burn A superficial burn involves only the outer epidermis. The involved area may be red with slight edema. Healing occurs without peeling or evidence of scarring in two to five days.

What burn classification would be given to an area of the skin that was bright red, painful, and dry without blisters? superficial burn superficial partial-thickness burn deep partial-thickness burn full-thickness burn

hot liquids Contact with hot liquids is the primary cause of burns in adolescent and adults. Men and boys between the ages of 16 and 40 have the highest incidence of injury.

What is the primary cause of burns in adolescents and adults? hot liquids electricity chemicals fire

deep partial-thickness A deep partial-thickness burn involves complete destruction of the epidermis and the majority of the dermis. The involved area may appear discolored with broken blisters and edema. Healing occurs with hypertrophic scars and keloids. A full-thickness burn would not present with hypertrophic scars and keloids since this type of burn requires grafts for healing to take place.

Which burn classification is most likely to result in hypertrophic and keloid scarring after the healing process is complete? superficial superficial partial-thickness deep partial-thickness full-thickness

chemical burn Chemical burns can significantly alter systemic tissue pH and metabolism. These changes can create potentially serious pulmonary and metabolic complications. The severity of the complications is heavily influenced by the concentration of the chemical, duration of contact, and mechanism of action

Which burn classification would most likely affect the pH of systemic tissue? chemical burn electrical burn flash burn scald burn

electrical burn Electrical burns are caused by exposure to low or high voltage current and usually exhibit an entrance and exit wound. Alterations in the electrical activity of the heart caused by an electrical burn most often include ventricular fibrillation, systole or sinus tachycardia.

Which classification of burn could potentially cause ventricular fibrillation? chemical burn electrical burn flash burn scald burns

full-thickness burn A full-thickness burn completely destroys the epidermis and dermis of the skin as well as potentially affecting deeper structures (e.g., muscles). This type of burn has a brown-black charred appearance and is often dry or leathery.

Which of the following burn classifications is characterized by complete destruction of the epidermal and dermal layers, in addition to the involvement of the subcutaneous fat or muscle? superficial burn superficial partial-thickness burn deep partial-thickness burn full-thickness burn

full-thickness A full-thickness burn would be the least painful due to the destruction of the sensory nerves. Hypertrophic scarring and wound contractures are likely to develop without preventative measures at this level.

Which of the following types of burns would be the least painful? superficial superficial partial-thickness deep partial-thickness full-thickness

zone of coagulation There are three zones of injury at the site of a burn. The centermost area is classified as the zone of coagulation. This area corresponds with the most severe injury with irreversible cell damage. The zone of stasis is circumferentially outside of the zone of coagulation and corresponds to the area of the burn that sustained reversible damage. The outermost area of a burn is termed the zone of hyperemia and is characterized by inflammation.

Which of the following zones of injury corresponds with the most severe area of injury at a burn site that sustained irreversible cell damage? zone of erythema zone of stasis zone of coagulation zone of hyperemia

thermal

type of burn caused by conduction or convection

chemical

type of burn caused by sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and gasoline

electrical

type of burn producing an entrance and exit wound

subdermal

type of burn that involves muscle and bone

radiation

type of burn that may alter DNA in exposed tissues

radiation

type of burn that may produce complications including new malignancies

electrical

type of burn that may produce respiratory arrest or renal failure

superficial

which of the following burn classifications would heal without peeling or the presence of scarring within 2-5 days? superficial superficial partial-thickness deep partial-thickness full-thickness

subdermal burns

which of the following burns often requires multiple surgical interventions and extensive healing time? superficial burns superficial partial thickness burns full thickness burns subdermal burns

chemical

which of the following burns will continue to have a reaction until the compound is diluted at the site of contact? thermal chemical electrical radiation

full-thickness burns

which of the following is typically present with eschar formation and minimal pain to the involved area? superficial burns superficial partial-thickness burns full-thickness burns subdermal burns