Chapter 35: Burn Injury

These flashcards cover key concepts and critical information related to burn injuries, their management, and nursing care based on the lecture notes.

Where do most burns occur?

In the home.

Who is at high risk for burn injuries?

Young children and older adults.

What role do nurses have in preventing burn injuries?

Nurses must educate about prevention concepts and promote safety legislation.

What are the four main goals related to burns?

Prevention, lifesaving measures, prevention of disability, rehabilitation.

What characterizes a first-degree burn?

Superficial injuries involving the outermost layer of skin; typically a sunburn.

What constitutes a second-degree burn?

Involves the entire epidermis and portions of the dermis, painful with blisters.

What are the characteristics of a third-degree burn?

Total destruction of the epidermis and dermis; lacks sensation.

What distinguishes a fourth-degree burn?

Deep burn necrosis extending into muscle or bone.

What are the key factors to consider in determining burn depth?

How the injury occurred, the causative agent, temperature, duration of contact, thickness of the skin.

What method is used to estimate Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burned?

The Rule of Nines.

What is the Parkland formula for fluid resuscitation?

4ml x TBSA (%) x body weight (kg) with fluids administered over 24 hours.

What happens to the body in response to burns greater than 30% TBSA?

It can produce a local and systemic response, leading to tissue hypoperfusion and organ hypofunction.

What are the phases of burn injury management?

Emergent phase, Acute phase, Rehabilitation phase.

What is included in the emergent phase management of burn injuries?

ABCs, fluid resuscitation initiation, and monitoring vital signs.

What nutritional support is essential for burn patients?

Meet increased nutritional needs for stress response and wound healing.

What complications can arise from major burn injuries?

Fluid shifts, cardiovascular effects, pulmonary injury, infection, and sepsis.

What are non-pharmacologic measures to manage pain in burn patients?

Promote coping strategies and psychological support.

Why is the nursing assessment critical in the acute/intermediate phase of burn care?

To maintain respiratory and circulatory support, and to prevent infection.