Pathophysiology Multiple Interacting System McMaster N3PA2

Pathophysiology Multiple Interacting System McMaster N3PA2 Definition of Burn - Traumatic injury to the skin Primary Causes of Burns - Thermal or other acute exposures such as extreme cold, electricity, radiation, and chemicals Burn Injuries requiring medical attention annually in US and Canada - No data exists for Canada 1.3 million burns annually in U.S Percentage of burn patients that die - 6% Most Common Type of Burn Injury - Thermal injury Most Common Cause of Thermal injury in Canada for Children - Scalds 1/2 of burns caused by hot liquids and vapours Classification of Burns - According to depth of tissue injury Superficial Partial-thickness Full thickness Fourth Degree Burn - Used to describe the most severe burns All underlying subcutaneous layers are destroyed Extends into fascia, muscles, bones or joints American Burns Association Grading Scale of Severity - Minor, Moderate (partial-thickness 30% BSA), Severe Combines person's age with % of surface area affected Total Percentage of Body Surface Area or TBSA - Describes the extent of burns Partial & full-thickness burns included in assessments Superficial burns not included in assessment Estimations done using: Palm method, Rule of 9s, & Lund-Browder Chart Functions of the Skin - 1. Protects body from external environment 2. Regulates body temperature 3. Detects cutaneous sensations 4. Excretes & absorbs substances 5. Synthesizes vitamin D 6. Stores blood Epidermis - Outer cells are dead Acts as protection Forms water tight seals Deeper layers produce stratum corneum Contains pigment to protect against UV Dermis - Tough, elastic connective tissue Contains specialized structures: Nerve endings Blood vessels Sweat glands Oil g