Classifications and characteristics of burns
What is the "Rule of Nines"
- Arms 9% each - Legs 18% each - Head 9% - Trunk Anterior 18% - Trunk Posterior 18%
What are 8 systemic complications of burns?
- Hemodynamic instability - Fluid and electrolyte imbalances - Respiratory Dysfunction - Hypermetabolic response - organ dysfunction - Sepsis and immune dysfunction - Pain - Emotional trauma
Examples of types/sources of burns:
- Thermal/non-thermal sources - Flames, scalding liquids, chemical, electrical, lighting
How long is the healing process caused by a 2nd degree burn full thickness?
1 month
How long does it take for a 2nd degree partial thickness burn to heal?
1-2 weeks
Sunburn is an example of what type of burn?
1st degree
Scar formation is very likely to form in which degree burn?
2nd degree burn full thickness
How long does it take to heal a 1st degree burn?
3-10 days
What burns may require skin grafts and scarring is expected?
3rd degree Burn Full Thickness
In what degree burn are nerve sensors destroyed?
3rd degree burn full thickness
Why must you not burst the blisters caused by a 2nd degree partial thickness burn?
Blisters serve as a "bandage" and may promote healing
Extent of burn is measured by:
By estimating the amount of total body surface area (TBSA) involved
2nd degree full thickness burn affects what tissue layers?
Entire epidermis and dermis
2nd degree partial thickness burn affects what tissue layers?
Epidermis and various degrees of the dermis
1st degree burn affects what tissue layers?
Only the outer layer of epidermis
What are the characteristics of a 2nd degree partial thickness burn?
Painful Moist Red Blistered
What are the characteristics of a 2nd degree full thickness burn?
Painful Mottled pink Red Waxy white areas with blisters (resemble flat, tissue paper) Edema (swelling)
How are burns classified?
Partial thickness or full thickness injuries indicating the degree level of damage to the skin
What are the characteristics of a first degree burn?
Pink Erythema (redness) Painful No blisters
What happens to the skin after a 1st degree burn?
Skin maintains function
3rd degree full thickness burn affects what tissue layers?
Subcutaneous tissue and may involve muscle/bone - Usually have areas of 2nd degree along with 3rd degree
2nd degree burn partial thickness: Skin under blisters is sensitive to...
Temperature, changes, air exposure, and touch
How do the blisters look caused by a 2nd degree burn full thickness?
They resemble flat, dry tissue paper
What are the characteristics of a 3rd degree full thickness burn?
Waxy white, yellow, tan, brown, deep red, or black in color Hard, dry, and leathery Extensive edema (swelling)
