Rash, Wounds & Burns [Case #1]

“A 30 year old man is brought into Resus having had a fight with his partner, who boiled a kettle and threw the contents over his chest.The registrar is busy and it is up to you to manage the case. You feel he has a 15% burn covering his chest and left arm.”

Questions

Answer one question before attending the face-to-face teaching session. Add comments to answers already given if you think it's appropriate. The first part of teaching will be spent discussing this case:

1. What are the different depths of a burn and how is each defined?

2. What percentage of Burn Surface are is assigned to the following in an adult:
   
   a) Head?
   
   b) Chest?
   
   c) Arm?

3. What are the criteria for referral to a burns specialist centre?

4. How do you calculate the fluid requirements in a patient with burns? Assuming this man weighs 70kg what is his fluid requirement (show your working). This is a very common part B question.

5. What analgesia would you use in a child with severe burns?

6. Within what period is it beneficial to apply cold water to a burn and why?

7. Why do we apply cling film to burns injuries?