NURSING NUR 265 Med Surg 265 - Exam 3 BURNS

Tissue destruction caused by a burn injury leads to local and systemic problems that affect Fluid and electrolyte balance leading to: o protein losses, sepsis, and changes in metabolic, endocrine, respiratory, cardiac, hematologic, and immune functioning - The extant of problems is related to: o age, general health, extent of injury, depth of injury, and the specific body area injured - Late complications may occur after healing: o Contracture formation and scaring - The priorities of care are the prevention of infection and closure of the burn wound - Delay in wound healing is a key factor for all systemic problems and major cause of disability and death among patients who are burned Skin changes - Largest organ of the body - Has two major layers: o Epidermis § Outer layer of skin § Can grow back after a burn injury § No blood vessels § Nutrients is diffused from the dermis o Dermis § Thicker than the epidermis § Blood vessels, sensory nerves, hair follicles, lymph vessels, sebaceous glands and sweat glands - When burn injury occurs, skin can re-grow if parts of the dermis are present - When entire dermal is layer is burned, cells and dermal appendages are destroyed, and the skin cannot restore itself o Dermal appendages § sweat glands, oil glands, and hair follicles - Sub Q tissue is below the dermis separated by the basement membrane - Deep burns sub Q tissue can be damaged leaving bone, tendons and muscles exposed