Burns

Question 1

What are the characteristics of a first-degree burn?

Answer 1

• Redness
• Pain
• Minor swelling

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and are considered superficial.

Question 2

Identify the symptoms of a second-degree burn.

Answer 2

• Blisters
• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Red, white, or splotchy skin

Second-degree burns affect both the epidermis and the dermis, the second layer of skin.

Question 3

What distinguishes a third-degree burn from other burns?

Answer 3

• Charred or white skin
• Numbness
• Damage to all layers of skin

Third-degree burns extend through the dermis into deeper tissues and may require skin grafts.

Question 4

True or False:

You should apply ice to a thermal burn.

Answer 4

False

Applying ice can cause further tissue damage. It’s best to use cool (not cold) water.

Question 5

What are the initial steps to care for a thermal burn?

Answer 5

• Cool the burn with running water.
• Cover with a sterile dressing.
• Protect from pressure and friction.

Cooling the burn helps reduce pain and swelling, while covering it prevents infection.

Question 6

Describe the proper care for a chemical burn caused by a dry chemical.

Answer 6

• Brush off any chemical.
• Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes.

Removing the dry chemical before rinsing prevents further skin damage.

Question 7

How should you treat a wet chemical burn?

Answer 7

Flush the area with water for at least 15 minutes.

Continuous flushing dilutes the chemical and reduces skin damage.

Question 8

What is the first priority when responding to an electrical burn?

Answer 8

Ensure scene safety.

Always ensure the power source is off before approaching the victim to prevent electrical shock.

Question 9

When should you call 911 for a burn injury?

Answer 9

• Burn covers a large area.
• Burn is on face, hands, feet, or genitals.
• Third-degree burn.
• Electrical or chemical burn.

Immediate medical attention is crucial for severe burns to prevent complications.

Question 10

Fill in the blank:

Do not remove ______ from a burn victim’s skin.

Answer 10

clothing

Do not pull off stuck clothing. Instead, cut around clothing near the burned area to avoid further skin damage.

Question 11

True or False:

Apply ointments or butter to a burn.

Answer 11

False

Applying ointments or butter can trap heat and may increase the risk of infection.

Question 12

Scenario: You witness a person getting burned by an electrical wire. What is your first step?

Answer 12

Turn off the power source.

Always ensure the environment is safe before assisting to avoid becoming a victim yourself.

Question 13

What should you do if a burn blister breaks?

Answer 13

Clean gently with soap and water, then apply a non-stick sterile dressing.

Cleaning the area prevents infection, and a non-stick sterile dressing protects the exposed skin while promoting healing. Avoid using ointments or adhesives directly on the wound.

Question 14

Scenario: A person has a third-degree burn but is not in pain. Why might this be?

Answer 14

Nerve endings are damaged.

Third-degree burns destroy nerve endings, which can result in a lack of pain sensation.

Question 15

What is the primary goal of covering a burn with a sterile dressing?

Answer 15

Prevent infection

A sterile dressing protects the exposed tissue from contaminants.

Question 16

True or False:

You should remove jewelry from a burn area when possible.

Answer 16

True

Removing jewelry can help prevent complications from swelling.

Question 17

What is a key sign that a chemical burn requires emergency medical attention?

Answer 17

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

These symptoms can indicate that the chemical has affected the respiratory system.

Question 18

Fill in the blank:

Cool a thermal burn with ______ water.

Answer 18

cool

Cool water helps alleviate pain and swelling without causing further damage.

Question 19

What should you do if a burn victim is experiencing shock?

Answer 19

• Lay the person down.
• Cover with a blanket.
• Elevate legs if possible.

These steps help maintain circulation and body temperature, which is critical in shock management.

Question 20

What type of burn is most likely to result from exposure to the sun?

Answer 20

First-degree burn

Sunburn typically affects only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain.

Question 21

What is a common cause of radiation burns?

Answer 21

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as from the sun or tanning beds.

Radiation burns are usually first-degree burns but can worsen with excessive exposure or repeated incidents.

Question 22

What are the symptoms of a mild radiation burn?

Answer 22

Redness, warmth, tenderness, and possible peeling.

These symptoms are typically associated with sunburn and indicate superficial skin damage.

Question 23

What should you do for a radiation burn?

Answer 23

Cool the area with water, apply aloe vera or burn gel, and stay out of the sun.

Soothing gels can relieve pain and inflammation. Avoid re-exposure to prevent worsening the burn.

Question 24

What is the primary concern with inhalation injuries from a fire?

Answer 24

Swelling of the airway and difficulty breathing.

Inhalation of smoke or toxic fumes can damage the airway and lungs. Call 911 immediately if breathing is affected.

Question 25

What signs suggest an **inhalation injury**?

Answer 25

Burns around the mouth or nose, coughing, hoarseness, or soot in the mouth. ## Footnote These signs may indicate airway involvement and require emergency medical evaluation.

Question 26

What should you do if **inhalation injury** is suspected?

Answer 26

Call **911** and monitor **breathing** until help arrives. ## Footnote Keeping the person calm and in an upright position can help ease breathing while waiting for emergency services.

Question 27

What are signs of **infection** in a **healing burn**?

Answer 27

Increased redness, swelling, pus, warmth, or a foul odor. ## Footnote These symptoms suggest the burn is not healing properly and needs medical attention.

Question 28

# True or False: A healing burn that becomes increasingly painful may be infected.

Answer 28

True ## Footnote Worsening pain, rather than gradual improvement, is a key sign of possible infection in a burn wound.

Question 29

When should you use a **moist dressing** for a burn?

Answer 29

For minor burns to soothe pain and keep the wound hydrated. ## Footnote Moist dressings, like hydrogel pads, help relieve discomfort and promote healing in superficial burns.

Question 30

When should you use a **dry dressing** for a burn?

Answer 30

For deeper or more extensive burns to protect the wound and prevent infection. ## Footnote Dry dressings help absorb drainage and minimize exposure, especially when transporting someone to medical care.