- Radiation
Result from radiant energy being transferred to the body resulting in production of
cellular toxins
Burn Wound Assessment
- Classified according to depth of injury and extent of body surface area involved
- Burn wounds differentiated depending on the level of dermis and subcutaneous tissue
involved
- Superficial (first-degree)
- Deep (second-degree)
- Full thickness (third and fourth degree)
The depth of the injury depends on the temperature of the burning agent and the
duration of contact with the agent. For example, in the case of scald burns in adults, 1
second of contact with hot tap water at 68.9°C (156°F) may result in a burn that
destroys both the epidermis and the dermis, causing a full-thickness (third-degree)
injury. Fifteen seconds of exposure to hot water at 56.1°C (133°F) results in a similar
full-thickness injury. Temperatures less than 111°F can be tolerated for long periods
without injury.