Chapter 54: Burn Injuries
Banasik: Pathophysiology, 6th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. It is true that second-degree, superficial partial-thickness burns
a. are less painful than third-degree burns.
b. involve only the epidermis.
c. usually heal in 7 to 21 days.
d. are rarely associated with scar formation.
ANS: C
Second-degree, superficial partial-thickness burns usually heal in 7 to 21 days. Second-degree burns are more painful than
third-degree burns, involve damage to the dermis, and can be associated with scar formation.
2. The first priority when rescuing a burned individual is
a. establishing a patent airway.
b. removing his or her clothing.
c. eliminating the source of the burn.
d. covering the wounds with wet sheets.
ANS: C
The first priority in rescuing a burned individual is eliminating the source of the burn. The next priority is to establish a patent
airway. Removing the clothing is not recommended; however, dry, clean sheets or dressings should be placed over the burns.
Covering the wound is not advised, as this may cause hypothermia.
3. Burn shock is the direct result of
a. hypovolemia.
b. cardiac depression.
c. infection.
d. increased capillary permeability.
ANS: D
Burn shock results from systemic capillary permeability with leakage of fluids throughout all tissues; the result is massive edema.
Hypovolemia is not the direct cause of burn shock. Burn shock does not result from cardiac depression or infection.
4. Electrical injury may cause extensive damage to low-resistance tissues, particularly
a. bone and muscle.
b. nerves and blood vessels.
c. epidermis.
d. dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
ANS: B
Electrical injury may cause extensive damage to low-resistance tissues, particularly nerves and blood vessels. Bone and muscle,
and dermis and subcutaneous tissue, are not low-resistance tissues. Skin is a high-resistance tissue.
5. The time between the end of burn shock and closure of the burn to less than 20% of total body surface area is called the
________ phase.
a. postshock
b. rehabilitation
c. critical
d. emergent
ANS: D
The time between the end of burn shock and closure of the burn to less than 20% of total body surface area is called the emergent
phase. Postshock is not a phase of burn wound healing. The rehabilitation phase begins when the burn size is reduced to less than
20% TBSA and the patient is able to assume self-care. There is not a critical phase of burn wound healing.
6. The primary aim of burn wound management is to prevent
a. trauma to burned tissue.
b. microbial colonization of the wound.
c. the wound from drying out.
d. premature wound closure.
ANS: B
The primary aim of burn wound management is to prevent microbial colonization of the wound. A goal of wound management is
to minimize further destruction of viable tissue. It is not possible to prevent the trauma after injury, since it has already occurred.
Keeping the wound dry is not a primary aim of burn wound management. Preventing premature wound closure is not a goal of
burn wound management.
7. The third element essential to survival after major burn injury is
a. excision of the burn followed by skin grafting.
b. frequent wound debridement to encourage wound healing.
c. hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
d. continuous topical antibiotic therapy.
ANS: A
The third element essential to survival after major burn injury is excision of the burn followed by skin grafting. Frequent wound
debridement, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and continuous topical antibiotic therapy are not the third element essential to survival
after major burn injury.
Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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8. The most common cause of burn injuries in children is
a. house fires.
b. cigarette burns.
c. scalding with hot water.
d. contact with chemical agents.
ANS: C
The most common cause of burn injuries in children is scalding with hot water. House fires, cigarette burns, and contact with
chemical agents are not the most common causes of burn injuries in children.
9. The goal of nutritional support of the burned individual is to
a. limit the glucose available to infectious organisms.
b. create a positive nitrogen balance.
c. protect the kidney from excessive protein intake.
d. avoid hyperlipidemia.
ANS: B
The goal of nutritional support of the burned individual is to create a positive nitrogen balance. Limiting the glucose available to
infectious organisms, protecting the kidney from excessive protein intake, and avoiding hyperlipidemia are not the goals of
nutritional support of the burn patient.
10. A necessary intervention when managing burns associated with automobile airbag injury include
a. irrigation with water.
b. application of steroid cream.
c. IV infusion of antibiotics.
d. debridement of skin.
ANS: A
Management of burns associated with automobile airbag injury is irrigation with copious amounts of water. Application of steroid
cream, IV antibiotics, and debridement are not necessary for airbag burns.
11. The majority of electrical burns in children are caused by
a. playing with electrical outlets.
b. playing with defective electrical cords.
c. biting on extension cords.
d. putting fingers in electrical sockets.
ANS: C
The majority of electrical burns in children are caused by biting on extension cords. Playing with electrical outlets, playing with
defective electrical cords, and putting fingers in electrical sockets are not the causes of the majority of electrical burns in children.
12. It is true that covering a burn with cool wet sheets
a. promotes comfort.
b. facilitates healing.
c. prevents fluid loss.
d. promotes hypothermia.
ANS: D
Cool wet sheets quickly become cold wet sheets that promote hypothermia as the skin’s ability to regulate body temperature is
lost. Although cool wet sheets may initially promote comfort, they may be the cause of hypothermia the longer the sheets remain
in contact with the burned skin. Cool wet sheets do not facilitate burn healing or prevent fluid loss.
13. The immediate management of a thermal burn victim once the fire has been extinguished is to
a. cover with blankets to prevent shock.
b. monitor for signs of respiratory impairment.
c. apply lubricant to the burn area.
d. start an IV line.
ANS: B
Excessive heat to the respiratory tract could result in obstruction; therefore, respiratory status is the main priority. Do not cover
with blankets, as this will prevent underlying heat from escaping. Do not apply anything but water to a burn. An IV line may be
started after management of respiratory status.
Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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