Case study 2

Abstract

1. Describe how burn wounds are classified. Identify and describe Mr. Angelo’s burn injuries. Burn wounds are classified in four stages, the first stage being a lesser wound and the fourth stage being a greater wound. A first-degree burn only affects the epidermis and reaches 0.01 inches in depth. A second-degree burn reaches below the epidermis to the dermis, at 0.02 inches. A third-degree burn penetrates the dermis and meets the subcutaneous tissue at 0.035 inches. Finally, a fourth-degree burn affects all of the above layers and reaches to the muscle, at 0.04 inches deep. Mr. Angelo’s burn injuries cover 40% of his total body surface area. Burns cover his entire face and lower extremities. Blistering is present on genitalia. Partial thickness burns cover his lower back, buttocks, abdomen, and bilateral upper extremities. Second-degree burns are found on most of the upper and lower extremities, while first degree burns are found near the umbilicus. Overall, the skin exhibits blisters, dryness, and poor skin turgor.