Chapter 55 Treatment of Burns & Wounds*

Bandaging Wounds

-Bandage with appropriate material -Tubular gauze and cylinder -Open or closed spiral -Figure-eight -Cravat from triangular bandage

Second-Degree Burns

-Can include treatment for shock -Remove jewelry due to edema. -Provide ample amounts of liquid to drink. -Cover burned area with sterile dressing. -Provider opens blisters under aseptic conditions -Patients should refrain from breaking blisters and peeling the skin themselves.

Cleaning Wounds

-Clean and assess -Wash with Betadine or other antibacterial solution -Apply friction -Apply antiseptic -Apply pressure bandage Prepare suture setup

Cold Application

-Decreases bacterial growth, body temperature, and local circulation temporarily -Temporary anesthetic -Relieves inflammation -Helps control bleeding -Reduces swelling -Average temperature between 10°C and 26.7°C (50°F and 80°F)

Third and Fourth-Degree burns

-Immediate medical treatment -Surgical intervention possible -Replacement fluids by IV -Pain medication and tetanus -No cleaning, cover with sterile dressing -Treatment for shock

Heat Application

-Increases tissue temperature -Increases circulation -Increases healing -Decreases pain -Relieves congestion in deep tissues -Average temperature between 40.6°C and 49°C (105°F and 120°F)

Chemical

-Remove clothing from area -Brush off dry chemical first -Flood with water for at least 15 minutes -Cover with sterile dressing -If in eye, flush for 20 minutes and have provider examine

Electrical

-Remove victim from electrical source -Electrical shut-off -Water conduction danger -Administer CPR if in arrest -Treat burn as non-electrical -Damage along conduction path

First-Degree Burns

-Treat with cold water and a dressing to protect the area. -No butter or ointment -No ice (due to frostbite possibility) -Photosensitive drugs increase sunburn risk.