Chemical Burns - Adult Pearls

What type of exposure is obtained in chemical burn history?

Heat, gas, or chemical.

What airway-related injury is asked about in chemical burn history?

Inhalation injury.

What timing is obtained in chemical burn history?

Time of injury.

What background history is obtained for a chemical burn?

Past medical history.

What drug history is obtained for a chemical burn?

Medications.

What additional injuries are asked about in chemical burn history?

Other trauma.

What neurologic history is obtained for a chemical burn?

Loss of consciousness.

What vaccination history is obtained for a chemical burn?

Tetanus and immunization status.

What fluids are preferred for chemical burn irrigation?

Normal saline or sterile water.

Should irrigation be delayed if sterile fluids are not available?

No.

Can tap water be used for chemical burn irrigation?

Yes, if sterile fluids are not available.

Can other water sources be used for chemical burn irrigation?

Yes, based on availability.

When should a chemical burn be flushed?

As soon as possible.

What fluid should be used if preferred irrigation fluids are unavailable?

The cleanest readily available water or saline solution.

How much fluid is used to flush a chemical burn?

Copious amounts.