Question

Develop a concept map of the responses of the assigned system to burn injury. identify aspects important to patient survival during the resuscitation and acute phase of the burn injury , Include lab values that may be impacted one of the following body systems:  Respiratory  Cardiovascular  Neurological  Gastrointestinal  Renal  Psychosocial

Answer 1

Skin acts as a protective barrier for whole body and it is the largest organ covering the body. Skin has three layers epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. Damage to skin are caused by hot liquids, corrosive chemicals, electric current, fires and excess sun exposure . They are called burn injuries. Burns are classified according to the extent of injuries as first degree, second and third degree burns. First degree burns may be treated in home but second degree and third degree needs emergency care with medical attention in hospital. Severe burns may end up in hypovolemic shock , hypothermia and also sepsis if not treated well.

In early phase of severe burn injury the changes which occur in body and to be corrected for survival of the patient are as follows:

In cardiovascular system

• Tachycardia
• Hypotension if more fluid is lost
• Decreased cardiac index and stroke volume
• Decreased venous oxygen saturation
• Decreased total peripheral resistance and pulmonary vascular resistance
• Decreased hematocrit percentage
• Decreased central Central pressure as the amount of blood returning to the heart and the ability of the heart to pump the blood back into the arterial system is low.
• Metabolic acidosis occur
• Decreased contractility of cardiac muscles

Psychosocial status:

• Unbearable pain and hopelessness
• Depression
• Irritable and angry
• Altered mental status due to stress

Respiratory system:

• The burns may destroy the upper airways and the smoke or fumes inhaled may destroy the tissues leading to bronchospasm , bronchorrhea which may lead to pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome

Gastrointestinal system:

• Burns may cause mucosal atrophy ,ulcers , even perforation and long time complications of carcinoma.  

Renal system:

• Decreased fluid volume result in decreased blood volume and cardiac output resulting in decreased blood flow to kidney . So glomerular filtration rate becomes low leading to oliguria.
• Angiotensin, aldosterone and vasopressin leads to decreased renal activity.
• Myoglobinuria occurs and also electrolytes in body becomes mismanaged.