Burn Injury Management and Care

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Questions and Answers

What is a common early complication associated with flame burns in enclosed spaces?

Septic shock

Inhalation injury (correct)

Metabolic acidosis

Stress diabetes

Which of the following complications can arise due to burn injuries later in the recovery process?

Hypothermia

Cardiac arrhythmias

Acute tubular necrosis

Pneumonia (correct)

What dietary adjustment is essential for a patient recovering from severe burns?

Reduce protein intake to prevent kidney strain

Limit fluid intake to minimize swelling

Increase caloric intake to between 1,700-3,000 calories (correct)

Maintain a consistent low-calorie diet

To prevent contracture in burn patients during recovery, what is recommended?

Use of cotton and acrylic clothing Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is indicated for the care of healing skin post-burn?

Wash daily and cover with cocoa butter Signup and view all the answers

Which dressing technique is most appropriate for a partial-thickness burn?

Hydrocolloid dressings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of wound debridement in burn management?

To remove necrotic tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which type of skin graft is composed of skin taken from the same individual?

Autograft Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is essential for the healing process in burn patients?

Vitamin C Signup and view all the answers

Which complication is commonly associated with severe burns?

Renal failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial response when assessing the extent of burns using the Rule of Nines?

Estimation of total body surface area affected Signup and view all the answers

In burn patients, high protein intake is vital for which primary reason?

To facilitate wound healing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of inhalation injury is characterized by airway inflammation and obstruction?

Tracheobronchitis Signup and view all the answers

Which dressing technique is essential for controlling microbial colonization in burn wounds?

Silver-impregnated dressings Signup and view all the answers

Which method is commonly used for wound debridement in burn care?

Sharp debridement Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective type of skin graft for a deep burn injury?

Split-thickness skin graft Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient is particularly important for supporting wound healing in burn patients?

Vitamin C Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication associated with burn injuries?

Scarring and contractures Signup and view all the answers

Which type of therapy is primarily utilized in acute burn care to optimize wound health and function?

Hydrotherapy Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT recommended for dressing the wounds in burn patients?

Dry gauze Signup and view all the answers

What is essential in the nutritional support of burn patients to prevent complications?

High calorie and protein diet Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Burn Injury, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Management

Burns are a special kind of soft tissue injury that cause physical and psychological damage.
They account for about 25% of all soft tissue injuries.
Critical burns pose a significant risk to life, leading to disfigurement and disability.
They require the expertise of qualified medical professionals.
Inhalation injury is a serious complication associated with flame burns in enclosed spaces.
Shock can occur due to various factors including:
- Cardiogenic
- Neurogenic
- Hypovolemic
Late complications include:
- Septic shock
- Septicemia
- Pneumonia
- Renal failure
- Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Stress diabetes.
Patients should receive the following health teaching before discharge:
Wash the healing skin daily and cover it with cocoa butter.
Avoid brushing or scratching the burned area.
Avoid sun exposure of the burned area.
Avoid using soaps with corrosive substances.
Minimize traumatization of the burned area.
Use cotton clothes and avoid acrylic fabrics.
Promote mobility, positioning, exercise, splinting, and activities of daily living (ADL).
Wear pressure garments and ace wraps to prevent contractures.

Classifications of Burns

Burns can be classified based on their cause:
Thermal/scald
Chemical
Electrical
Ionizing radiation
Inhalation injury
Burn severity depends on:
- Temperature of the source
- Duration of exposure
- Location of the burn
- Extent of the burn
- Age and medical condition of the victim
- Burns can be classified into three categories: Minor, moderate, and severe.

Inhalation Injury

Smoke inhalation should be suspected in cases of:
- Hypoxemia
- Unconsciousness in enclosed spaces
- Exposure of airways and lungs to toxic chemicals
- Tracheobronchitis
- Epithelial fibrin casts
- Airway obstruction
- Pulmonary edema within 2-3 days

Burn Management

The goals of burn management are:
- Prevention
- Institution of life-saving measures for burned individuals
- Prevention of disability and disfigurement through early, individualized treatment.

Medical Management Of Burns

Endotracheal intubation is indicated in cases of:
- Rapid progressive airway edema
- Tachypnea with use of accessory muscles
- Arterial hypoxemia less than 70 despite oxygen administration
- Ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen less than 200
Awake intubation should be considered for patients with massive airway edema and spontaneous respiration.

Phases of Burn Care

There are four phases of Burn care:
- Immediate prehospital phase/first aid
- Emergent phase
- Acute intermediate phase
- Rehabilitation phase

Wound Care

The goals of wound care are:
- Control microbial colonization and prevent wound infection
- Prevent wound progression
- Achieve wound coverage as early as possible
- Promote the function of healing skin
- Provide comfort
- Reduce scarring and deformity.

Wound Care Methods

Wound care encompasses:
- Dressing techniques
- Escharotomy
- Fasciotomy
- Hydrotherapy

Escharotomy Indications

Escharotomy is required in cases of:
- Deep circumferential burns over the neck, chest, or limbs
- Compromised airway, breathing, or circulation.
- It can be life-threatening for any part of the body.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy involves placing a patient in a large tank to facilitate wound care, range of motion exercises, and total body bathing.
It is a widely utilized treatment approach for burn management.
Hydrotherapy typically lasts for 20-30 minutes before wound care.
Opioid analgesics are administered before the procedure.

Hydrotherapy and Wound Care

Topical antimicrobial agents such as silver nitrate, neomycin, and bacitracin are applied to the wound.
The selection of the agent is based on factors such as:
- Location of the burn
- Causative agent
- Severity of the burn
- The amount of cream or ointment applied varies based on wound needs and manufacturer instructions.
Escharotomy and fasciotomy may be included as part of the treatment, requiring adjustments to wound care considerations.

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Description

This quiz focuses on burn injuries, their management, and associated complications. It covers topics such as the types of shock, late complications, and essential health teaching for patients before discharge. Understand the critical aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery in treating burn injuries.