Thermal and Electrical Injuries Flashcards
6 cards from real ATLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Thermal and Electrical Injuries flashcards as text
What is the initial treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning in a burn patient?
Answer: 100% oxygen via non-rebreather mask
100% O2 reduces COHb half-life from 4-6 hours to 60-90 minutes. Start before COHb levels are available.
Which burn patients meet criteria for transfer to a burn center?
Answer: Partial-thickness >10%, full-thickness, face/hands/feet/genitalia/joints, electrical/chemical, inhalation injury
ABA transfer criteria include multiple specific criteria covering size, depth, location, mechanism, and patient factors.
Hydrofluoric acid burns require what specific treatment beyond water irrigation?
Answer: Topical and/or subcutaneous calcium gluconate
Fluoride ions bind calcium causing progressive destruction and potentially fatal hypocalcemia requiring calcium gluconate.
In pediatric burn patients, the Rule of Nines is modified because of which anatomical difference?
Answer: Proportionally larger heads and smaller legs
Infants' heads are ~18% TBSA (vs. 9% adults), legs ~14% (vs. 18%). Use Lund-Browder chart.
Which finding on fiberoptic bronchoscopy confirms inhalation injury?
Answer: Erythema, edema, and carbonaceous deposits in the airway
Bronchoscopy revealing mucosal erythema, edema, ulceration, and soot deposits confirms inhalation injury.
What is the most common cause of death in hospitalized burn patients?
Answer: Sepsis and multi-organ failure
Sepsis is the leading cause due to loss of the skin barrier, immune suppression, and prolonged ICU stay.