List the four categories of burns - ✔✔1. Thermal
2. Radiation
3. Chemical
4. Electrical
Burn depth is a measure of severity. Describe the characteristics of superficial partial thickness, deep
partial thickness, and full thickness burns - ✔✔*Superficial partial thickness (FIRST DEGREE): pink to red
skin (sunburn), slight edema, and pain relieved by cooling
*Deep partial thickness (SECOND DEGREE): destruction of epidermis and upper layers of dermis, white
or red, very edematous, sensitive to touch and cold air, hair does not pull out easily
*Full thickness (THIRD DEGREE): total destruction of dermis and epidermis, reddened areas do not
blanch with pressure, not painful, inelastic, waxy white skin to brown, leathery skin
Describe fluid management in the emergent phase, acute phase, and rehabilitation phase of the burned
client - ✔✔*Stage I (emergent): replacement of fluids is titrated to urine output
*Stage II (acute): patient infusion site is maintained in case supplemental IV fluids are needed, saline lock
is helpful, colloids may be used
*Stage III (rehabilitation): no extra fluids are needed, but high-protein drinks are recommended
Describe pain management of the burned client - ✔✔*Administer pain medication, especially prior to
dressing wound
*Teach distraction and relaxation techniques
*Teach use of guided imagery
Outline admission care of the burned client - ✔✔*Provide a patent airway because intubation may be
necessary
*Determine baseline data
*Initiate fluid and electrolyte therapy
*Administer pain medication