Pathophysiology Mr. Eisner, age 43, sustained severe burns while welding a gasol
ID: 70019 • Letter: P
Question
Pathophysiology
Mr. Eisner, age 43, sustained severe burns while welding a gasoline tank that he had removed from a truck. He had full-thickness burns on his face and bald head and on both of his arms and hands – as well as a mixture of superficial and deep partial-thickness burns on his anterior trunk. His genital area, lower extremities, and posterior body were not burned.
After assessment and emergency stabilization, Mr. Eisner was transported to a regional burn center for care.
10. Please name three additional complications (not already discussed) that Mr. Eisner might suffer as a result of these multiple burns, and please state how these complications are related to the burns.
Explanation / Answer
SOLUTION:
Most risk for complications, such as infections, blood loss, and shock.
1: All burns carry the risk of infections because bacteria can enter broken skin. Sepsis, or a bloodstream infection, can occur in the most severe cases. This can lead to shock or even death.
2: Tetanus is another possible complication with burns of all levels. Like sepsis, tetanus is a bacterial infection. It affects the nervous system, eventually leading to problems with muscle contractions. As a rule of thumb, every member of your household should receive updated tetanus shots every five years to prevent this type of infection.
3: Severe burns also carry the risk of hypothermia and hypovolemia. Hypothermia is characterized by dangerously low body temperatures. While this may seem like an unexpected complication of a burn, the condition is actually prompted by excessive loss of body heat from an injury. Hypovolemia, or low blood volume.