Burn Pathophysiology & Wound Care Management Flashcards

Which zone of Jackson's burn model contains irreversibly damaged, necrotic tissue at the burn center?

Answer: Zone of coagulation

The zone of coagulation is the innermost, most damaged area where protein coagulation causes irreversible cell death.

A patient sustains a burn injury. Which mediator is primarily responsible for the early increase in capillary permeability?

Answer: Histamine

Histamine released from mast cells causes the initial increase in capillary permeability within the first 30 minutes post-burn.

During the ebb phase of the burn stress response, which hemodynamic finding is most expected?

Answer: Decreased cardiac output

The ebb phase (first 48 hours) is characterized by decreased cardiac output, hypoperfusion, and reduced metabolic rate.

A full-thickness burn wound appears pale and leathery with no blistering. What best explains the absence of pain in this wound?

Answer: Destruction of nerve endings in the dermis

Full-thickness burns destroy nerve endings, causing insensitivity to pain in the wound itself.

Silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) is contraindicated in which patient population?

Answer: Neonates and premature infants

Silver sulfadiazine is contraindicated in neonates and premature infants due to the risk of kernicterus from sulfonamide displacement of bilirubin.

Which dressing type is most appropriate for a partial-thickness burn wound that requires moisture retention and autolytic debridement?

Answer: Hydrocolloid dressing

Hydrocolloid dressings maintain a moist wound environment that promotes autolytic debridement and epithelialization in partial-thickness burns.

The Parkland formula for burn resuscitation in the first 24 hours uses which fluid?

Answer: Lactated Ringer's solution

The Parkland formula uses Lactated Ringer's solution at 4 mL/kg/% TBSA over 24 hours.