Question

1- Describe characteristics (appearance, sensations patient may feel) of a superficial burn, partial thickness burn, and full thickness burn, Do not discus first degree, second degree, or third degree burns ( thy are not medical terms)

2- Describe 4 signs of an inhalation injury in a burn victim.

Answer 1

Ans1.

• Superficial burn affect only the epidermis or the outer layer of the skin. The burnt site is red, painful, dry and with no blisters. Example include mild sunburn. Long term tissue damage is rare and usually consists of an increase or decrease in the skin color.
• Partial thickness burns involve the epidermis and a part of dermis layer of the skin. Thr burnt site appears red, blistered and maybe swollen and painful.
• Full thickness burns destroy the epidermis and dermis and may also damage the underlying muscles, tendons and bones. The burnt site appears white or charred.there is no sensation in thr area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

Ans2. Inhalation injury in a burnt victim include the following hallmark i.e. periorbital edema, carbonaceous particles in the nasal cavity (when burns are due to smoke injury), facial burn and hair singeing. Early endotracheal tube placement is necessary to secure patency of the upper airways and adequate ventilation. Physical examination should include respiratory distress, stridor, voice changes, nasal/ oral soot along with facial burns.