Medical Surgical Nursing

(Tina Sui) #1

Superficial Burns (First Degree)



  • Epidermal tissue only affected

  • Tingling, Hyperesthesia, pain that is soothed by cooling

  • Wound: Reddened; blanches with pressure; dry, minimal or no edema, Possible
    blisters

  • Complete recovery within a week; no scarring, peeling, i.e. sunburn


Deep (Second Degree)



  • Involves the epidermis and deep layer of dermis

  • Pain, hyperesthesia, sensitive to cold air.

  • Blistered, mottled red base; weeping surface; edema

  • Recovery in 2 to 4 weeks, some scarring and depigmentation, contractures

  • Infection may convert it to full thickness

  • Hospitalization required if over than 25% of body surface involved

  • i.e. scald burn, flame

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