Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 6 - Section 6.4 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 199: 2

Answer

Burns are categorized into three degrees based on their severity, with each degree representing a different level of tissue damage. Here are the three degrees of burns and their respective treatments: **1. First-Degree Burns:** **Severity:** First-degree burns are the mildest form of burns and affect only the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. **Symptoms:** - Redness - Pain - Mild swelling - No blisters **Treatment:** - First-degree burns can often be treated at home. - Immediately cool the burned area with cold running water or a cold compress for about 10-15 minutes to relieve pain and reduce heat. Avoid using ice as it can damage the skin. - Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation. - Keep the burn clean and dry, and protect it with a sterile non-stick bandage. - Apply a soothing burn ointment or aloe vera gel to promote healing. - Avoid breaking any blisters that may form. - If the burn covers a large area, is on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if it becomes infected, seek medical attention. **2. Second-Degree Burns:** **Severity:** Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns and affect both the epidermis and the layer beneath it, the dermis. **Symptoms:** - Redness - Swelling - Blisters - Severe pain - Weeping or oozing of clear fluid **Treatment:** - Second-degree burns may require medical attention, especially if they cover a large area or are on sensitive areas of the body. - Immerse the burned area in cool (not cold) water for 10-15 minutes or use a cool compress to relieve pain and reduce heat. - Do not pop any blisters, as they provide protection against infection. - Apply a sterile non-stick bandage and change it regularly. - Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation. - In some cases, prescription medications or topical antibiotics may be needed to prevent infection. - Severe second-degree burns may require specialized wound care, such as debridement (removal of dead tissue) or skin grafting. **3. Third-Degree Burns:** **Severity:** Third-degree burns are the most severe and involve the complete destruction of both the epidermis and the dermis, often extending into deeper tissues, including muscles and bones. **Symptoms:** - The burned area may appear white, charred, brown, or black. - The skin may be leathery or waxy. - There may be little or no pain due to nerve damage. - Severe swelling may be present. **Treatment:** - Third-degree burns are medical emergencies and require immediate professional medical attention. - Do not use water or cold compresses on third-degree burns, as the area is at risk of infection. - The burn area should be covered with a sterile, non-stick dressing. - Intravenous fluids and pain management will be administered. - Surgical procedures, such as skin grafts, may be necessary to replace damaged tissue. - Long-term rehabilitation and physical therapy may be needed for functional recovery. It's essential to seek prompt medical attention for second- and third-degree burns, as they carry a higher risk of complications and long-term damage. In the case of severe burns, call emergency services immediately. Proper wound care and medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes and minimize scarring and complications.

Work Step by Step

Burns are categorized into three degrees based on their severity, with each degree representing a different level of tissue damage. Here are the three degrees of burns and their respective treatments: **1. First-Degree Burns:** **Severity:** First-degree burns are the mildest form of burns and affect only the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. **Symptoms:** - Redness - Pain - Mild swelling - No blisters **Treatment:** - First-degree burns can often be treated at home. - Immediately cool the burned area with cold running water or a cold compress for about 10-15 minutes to relieve pain and reduce heat. Avoid using ice as it can damage the skin. - Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain and inflammation. - Keep the burn clean and dry, and protect it with a sterile non-stick bandage. - Apply a soothing burn ointment or aloe vera gel to promote healing. - Avoid breaking any blisters that may form. - If the burn covers a large area, is on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or if it becomes infected, seek medical attention. **2. Second-Degree Burns:** **Severity:** Second-degree burns are more severe than first-degree burns and affect both the epidermis and the layer beneath it, the dermis. **Symptoms:** - Redness - Swelling - Blisters - Severe pain - Weeping or oozing of clear fluid **Treatment:** - Second-degree burns may require medical attention, especially if they cover a large area or are on sensitive areas of the body. - Immerse the burned area in cool (not cold) water for 10-15 minutes or use a cool compress to relieve pain and reduce heat. - Do not pop any blisters, as they provide protection against infection. - Apply a sterile non-stick bandage and change it regularly. - Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation. - In some cases, prescription medications or topical antibiotics may be needed to prevent infection. - Severe second-degree burns may require specialized wound care, such as debridement (removal of dead tissue) or skin grafting. **3. Third-Degree Burns:** **Severity:** Third-degree burns are the most severe and involve the complete destruction of both the epidermis and the dermis, often extending into deeper tissues, including muscles and bones. **Symptoms:** - The burned area may appear white, charred, brown, or black. - The skin may be leathery or waxy. - There may be little or no pain due to nerve damage. - Severe swelling may be present. **Treatment:** - Third-degree burns are medical emergencies and require immediate professional medical attention. - Do not use water or cold compresses on third-degree burns, as the area is at risk of infection. - The burn area should be covered with a sterile, non-stick dressing. - Intravenous fluids and pain management will be administered. - Surgical procedures, such as skin grafts, may be necessary to replace damaged tissue. - Long-term rehabilitation and physical therapy may be needed for functional recovery. It's essential to seek prompt medical attention for second- and third-degree burns, as they carry a higher risk of complications and long-term damage. In the case of severe burns, call emergency services immediately. Proper wound care and medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes and minimize scarring and complications.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.