Chapter 6.4

The severity of a burn injury is measured not only by the degree of the burn, but also by the

age of the patient, the general size of the burn, and the location of the burn - For example, a burn on the face may require more extensive treatment than a similar burn on an extremity.

Simply put, most (but not all) major body areas approximately account for some factor of 9% of the total body surface area. In adults, the anterior and posterior parts of the head and neck count 9% of the total body surface area, each upper limb counts 9%, each lower limb and gluteal region counts 18%, the anterior trunk counts 18%, the posterior trunk counts 18%, and the perineum is 1%. Estimating surface area of a burn is critical for determining

appropriate fluid replacement

Dehydration is a major concern with a third-degree burn, because the entire portion of skin has been lost, and water

cannot be retained in the area

Third-degree burns typically are caused by contact with

corrosive chemicals or fire, or prolonged contact with extremely hot water

Third-degree burn victims must be aggressively treated for

dehydration, or they may die

Burns are classified by

depth of tissue involvement

whereas the mesoderm is the origin of the

dermis

The integumentary system structures are derived from both

ectoderm and mesoderm germ layers

The ectoderm is the origin of the

epidermis

Second-degree burns involve the

epidermis and part of the dermis

Third-degree burns involve the

epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer, which often are destroyed

Burns immediate threat to life results primarily from

fluid loss, infection, and the effects of burned, dead tissue

third-degree burns are called

full-thickness burns

Burns are a major cause of accidental death and are usually caused by

heat, radiation, harmful chemicals, sunlight, or electrical shock

Examples of second degree burns? What are the treatments and how long is the healing process?

include very severe sunburns (where the skin also blisters) or scalding from hot liquids or chemicals. The treatment is similar to that for firstdegree burns, and care must be taken not to break the blisters, which would increase risk of infection. Applying ointments to the blisters is not recommended, because the ointments can retain heat in the burned area. In addition, burned limbs should be elevated to prevent swelling. Healing times are approximately 2 to 4 weeks, and slight scarring may occur.

In addition, patients typically are given antibiotics because risk of

infection is very great

First- and second-degree burns are called

partial-thickness burns

The treatment third degree burns may vary slightly, depending upon what caused the burn. Most third-degree burns require hospitalization. Skin grafting typically is needed for patients with third-degree burns, because the entire dermis and its vasculature are destroyed and regeneration is limited. A skin graft is a

piece of skin transplanted from one part of the body to another to cover a destroyed area. Skin grafts help prevent infection and dehydration in the affected area, and they also help minimize abnormal connective tissue fibrosis and disfigurement

In second degree burns the skin appears

red, tan, or white -The skin also is blistered and painful.

superficial burns, involve only the epidermis and are characterized by what and give an example, and treatment? What is the healing time average?

redness, pain, and slight edema. An example is a mild sunburn. Treatment involves immersing the burned area in cool water or applying cool, wet compresses, possibly followed by covering the burn with sterile, nonadhesive bandages. The healing time averages about 3 to 5 days, and typically there is no scarring.

The greater the surface area of the burn, the greater the volume of fluids that are lost, and these fluids must be

replaced, either orally or intravenously

First-degree burns, often referred to as

superficial burns

The rule of nines is used to estimate

surface area of a burn