8-Burns

The area surrounding a burn wound that appears red and inflamed. This zone is characterized by increased blood flow due to the body's inflammatory response.

The fluid that escapes from blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, often due to inflammation or injury. In burns, plasma leakage occurs as blood vessels become leaky, leading to fluid accumulation in the tissues.

A type of intravenous solution containing electrolytes and water. Crystalloids are used to replenish fluids lost from the body, such as in burns.

The pressure inside blood vessels. It is a measure of the force that blood exerts on vessel walls.

The volume of fluid circulating in the blood vessels. A decrease in intravascular volume can lead to shock and organ dysfunction.

Decreased fluid requirements needed to maintain blood pressure and urine output as blood vessels regain their normal permeability after a burn injury. Fluid that leaked into the interstitial space is reabsorbed, reducing the need for excessive fluid replacement.

A type of intravenous solution containing large molecules like proteins. Colloids remain within the blood vessels for longer than crystalloids, helping to maintain blood volume.

A condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs, often due to inflammation or increased permeability of blood vessels. This is a serious complication that can lead to breathing difficulties and respiratory failure.

A burn is considered full-thickness when the entire skin layer (including the dermis and epidermis) is destroyed. This type of burn requires debridement to remove the dead tissue to prevent infection and promote healing.

Debridement is the surgical removal of dead or damaged tissue, often in the case of burns, to prevent infection and promote healing.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a major factor in early burn mortality, especially in cases of inhalation injury. CO binds to hemoglobin much more strongly than oxygen, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen and leading to anoxia (oxygen deprivation) and potential death.

Inhalation injuries are often associated with burns and can significantly increase mortality. Symptoms like neurological or cardiac problems are red flags and require immediate attention. Always monitor for potential pneumonia and ensure prompt medical care.

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method used to measure blood oxygen saturation, but it can be inaccurate in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carboxyhemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin that has bound with carbon monoxide, preventing it from carrying oxygen. This results in a critical reduction of oxygen in the blood, potentially leading to death.

Anoxia refers to a complete lack of oxygen in the body's tissues. It is a dangerous condition that can lead to cell damage and death.

The affinity of carbon monoxide for hemoglobin is significantly higher than that of oxygen, meaning CO binds to hemoglobin roughly 200-250 times more readily than oxygen. This makes CO poisoning very dangerous.

Administration of 100% oxygen is the standard treatment for CO poisoning. It significantly reduces the time it takes for the body to eliminate CO.

In patients with severe burns (more than 60% TBSA) and associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), mortality rate is nearly 100%.

The half-life of carbon monoxide in the body is significantly reduced from 250 minutes in room air to 40-60 minutes when treated with 100% oxygen.

The severity of burns is directly related to mortality, with age playing a role. For example, a 90-year-old patient with a 90% TBSA burn would have a mortality rate of 90%.

Cyanide poisoning inhibits cytochrome oxidase, a crucial enzyme in cellular respiration, leading to impaired oxygen utilization in cells despite adequate oxygen supply.

Sodium thiosulfate is a specific antidote for cyanide poisoning. It converts cyanide to thiocyanate, a non-toxic derivative that can be excreted by the body.

Hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12) is another effective antidote for cyanide poisoning. It rapidly binds to cyanide, forming a complex that is excreted by the kidneys.

Persistent lactic acidosis or ST elevation on an electrocardiogram (ECG) may indicate the presence of cyanide poisoning.

Assessing a burn patient's airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. This acronym is used to quickly prioritize lifesaving interventions.

This refers to how much of the body's surface area has been burned. It is used to determine fluid resuscitation needs.

This is the most common type of burn, usually caused by flames, hot liquids, or contact with hot objects.

This classification system helps determine the severity of a burn by analyzing the layers of skin affected.

This is a crucial part of burn management, aiming to replenish lost fluids and maintain blood pressure.

An electrical injury where the current passes through the body, causing tissue damage.

A burn that affects only the outer layer of skin (epidermis). It is characterized by redness, pain, and swelling.

A burn that affects both the epidermis and the dermis. It is characterized by blisters, intense pain, and a white/pink appearance.

A burn that affects all layers of skin (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat). It is characterized by a leathery, painless, and non-blanching appearance.

A burn that extends beyond the skin to involve underlying tissues like muscle, tendons, and bone.

The most widely used topical burn treatment, silver sulfadiazine is effective in preventing infections but is not a cure for existing infections. It works by disrupting bacterial growth.

Immediate death can result from lack of oxygen (Anoxia) or a chaotic heart rhythm (Ventricular Fibrillation) caused by severe burns. These are the most immediate threats.

After severe burns, delayed heart rhythm problems can arise, and these changes can appear on an ECG (electrocardiogram) some time after the burn injury.

A critical sign of severe burns is the swelling of the back of the throat (posterior pharynx), making it difficult to breathe. It is an absolute indication for a tube to be placed in the airway (Intubation).

Kidney failure is a serious risk after severe burns due to damaged blood cells clogging up the kidneys. This requires a higher urine flow rate to help flush out those cells.

A major component of burn treatment, fluid resuscitation aims to maintain blood pressure and ensure adequate urine output (75-100cc/hr for adults).

For patients with severe burns, a specific method is used for calculating calorie needs. This method is designed to optimize muscle growth and prevent fat storage, crucial for healing.

When the skin is burned around a limb or chest, the pressure from the burnt skin can restrict blood flow. This requires incision (fasciotomy) or cutting (escharotomy) to relieve the pressure.