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Questions and Answers
What is the first line of treatment for a burn injury?
Which of the following actions should be taken if clothing is stuck to a burn?
What type of dressing can be applied if no water source is available?
What is the purpose of using cling film on a burn wound?
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Which patients should be considered time critical and potentially requiring advanced interventions?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of appropriate burn treatment?
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What is one indication that early endotracheal intubation might be necessary?
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What should be done regarding jewellery on a patient with burns?
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Which appearance characteristics are associated with a mid-dermal burn?
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What is the primary cause of an epidermal burn?
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Which of the following burns is characterized by white, waxy or charred skin?
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What complication may result from burns affecting the respiratory system?
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Which type of burn typically presents with blisters and severe pain?
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What is the primary cause of deep dermal burns?
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What appearance is typical for superficial dermal burns?
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Which of the following is NOT a common complication of burns?
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What is primarily considered the definition of a burn?
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Which of the following is NOT a common source of burns among the elderly?
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Which type of burn is caused by contact with surfaces, such as asphalt or carpet?
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Which factor is crucial for managing burns effectively?
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What type of burn is caused by chemical substances like acids and alkalis?
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Which of the following is a safety consideration when managing burn injuries?
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What is the rule associated with estimating burns in adults?
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What complication is commonly associated with major burn injuries?
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Study Notes
Burns Management Overview
- Burns result from energy transfer causing tissue necrosis and inflammatory reactions.
- In the UK, 250,000 burn injuries occur annually, with 175,000 requiring emergency department visits.
- Most burns happen at home, predominantly in kitchens.
Burn Types and Causes
- Chemical: Caused by acids or alkaline substances.
- Cold: Results in frostbite.
- Electrical: Caused by electric power sources or lightning.
- Friction: Injury from surface contact.
- Radiation: Caused by sun exposure or radiation.
- Thermal: Includes flames, scalds, or thermal contact.
Assessment and History Taking
- Investigate the burn origin including cause, timing, exposure duration, and cooling duration.
- Consider potential non-accidental injury.
Burn Classification
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Epidermal (1st degree):
- Cause: Mainly ultraviolet light.
- Appearance: Dry, red, painful, blanches with pressure, no blistering.
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Superficial Dermal (2nd degree):
- Cause: Scalds.
- Appearance: Pale pink, fine blisters, very painful.
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Mid-Dermal (2nd degree):
- Cause: Scalds or flame.
- Appearance: Dark pink, large blisters, delayed capillary refill, painful.
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Deep Dermal (2nd degree):
- Cause: Scalds or flame.
- Appearance: Blotchy red, may blister, no capillary refill, no sensation.
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Full Thickness (3rd degree):
- Cause: Immersion scald, steam, high voltage electricity.
- Appearance: White, waxy, or charred skin, no sensation or blistering.
Complications
- Risk of inhalation of hot gases, hypotension, end-organ hypo-perfusion, bronchoconstriction, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, and infections leading to sepsis.
Treatment Protocol
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Prioritize safety and follow the AcBC approach (Airway, breathing, circulation).
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First-line Treatment:
- Cool the burn area with running water for 20 minutes.
- Remove clothing unless stuck to the burn.
- Avoid submerging limbs in water; use a shower or tap.
- Remove jewelry to accommodate potential swelling.
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Wound Dressing:
- Use cling film small squares to protect the wound, ensuring no wrap restricting blood flow.
- Cling film helps with pain relief and infection prevention.
- Transport patients to A&E for serious burns and notify trauma desk.
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Pain Relief:
- Consider administering Entonox.
Advanced Clinical Interventions
- Early endotracheal intubation and intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV).
- Early opiate analgesia and fluid resuscitation for critical cases.
Major Trauma Center Referrals
- Refer if patient has burns/scalds greater than 20% in a child, 30% in an adult, facial burns with skin loss, or circumferential burns.
Summary
- Always prioritize safety.
- Cool the burn, dress appropriately, maintain warmth, and consider advanced clinical support.
- Seek definitive care as necessary.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the management and treatment of both minor and major burn injuries. Participants will learn about different types of burns, their causes, and essential safety considerations. Test your knowledge to ensure effective emergency care in burn cases.
