Case Study: Burns

Anthony M. is a 56-year old male admitted to the ER with burns to the anterior right arm, left leg, anterior torso, and face from a kitchen grease fire. On the scene, he was awake and alert, complaining of severe pains. Intravenous fluids were started and an oxygen mask at 50% was also administered. He was placed on backboard prior to transport to the ER.

In the ER, the nurse and the physician noted Anthony to be having voice hoarseness, reddened eyes, blisters around the mouth, and difficulty breathing. The right arm and torso have shiny, bright red burn wounds. Foley catheter was inserted; Morphine was given for pain.

Answer the following questions:

1. Using the Rule of Nine, calculate the percentage of body surface area burned that Anthony has suffered.

2. What criteria will qualify Anthony to be transported to a major burn hospital?

3. Is Anthony a high risk for inhalation injury? If so, what are the factors that determine his inhalation injury? What is the emergent treatment for inhalation injury?

4. Compare and contrast the types of burns according to depth of injury.

5. Discuss the different pathologic changes that happen on burn injury in relation to the following areas:

Fluid shifting and electrolyte imbalance

Cardiovascular

Cellular

Metabolic

Immunologic

6. Name at least 3 major complications that occur in burn injury.