CBM Special Populations in Burn Care 2

Question 1

Which factor most contributes to the significantly higher burn mortality seen in elderly patients compared to younger adults with similar burn size?

Accepted Answer

Impaired immune response and reduced physiologic reserve

Answer

Decreased skin thickness increasing burn depth

Answer

Higher incidence of chemical burn exposure in this age group

Answer

Greater pain sensitivity limiting rehabilitation participation

Question 2

Circumferential burns on an extremity requiring escharotomy are treated this way because:

Accepted Answer

Rigid eschar restricts tissue expansion, causing compartment syndrome

Answer

Elevation and ice application fail to reduce edema adequately

Answer

Intravenous corticosteroids cannot penetrate burned tissue

Answer

Compression wrapping increases circulation in burned limbs

Question 3

Hydrofluoric acid burns cause systemic toxicity primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Chelating calcium ions and causing severe systemic hypocalcemia

Answer

Oxidizing tissue proteins at the burn surface

Answer

Generating toxic inhalation vapors at room temperature

Answer

Alkalinizing blood pH beyond physiologic range

Question 4

The Revised Baux Score (age + %TBSA + 17 if inhalation injury present) is used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Estimate probability of mortality in burn patients

Answer

Calculate 24-hour fluid resuscitation requirements

Answer

Determine optimal timing of skin graft surgery

Answer

Assess total caloric needs for nutritional support

Question 5

Chemical burns should be initially decontaminated by:

Accepted Answer

Irrigating with copious running water for at least 20-30 minutes

Answer

Applying a pH-neutralizing agent directly to the burn site

Answer

Covering with a dry sterile dressing immediately

Answer

Administering intravenous sodium bicarbonate

Question 6

Which pre-existing comorbidity most severely impairs burn wound healing in elderly patients?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Osteoporosis

Answer

Glaucoma

Answer

Hypothyroidism

Question 7

In elderly burn patients, aggressive fluid resuscitation must be carefully monitored because they are at increased risk for:

Accepted Answer

Fluid overload and pulmonary edema due to reduced cardiac reserve

Answer

Accelerated fluid absorption causing over-hydration rapidly

Answer

Renal hyperfiltration leading to electrolyte loss

Answer

Paradoxical dehydration from impaired antidiuretic hormone release