Master Burns Interventions with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Ensuring adequate oxygenation is critical for the patient with burn injury. Burns cause hemolysis of RBCs and decrease circulating oxygen for tissue perfusion and proper cell function. Supplemental oxygen should be provided as needed. Ventilatory support helps deliver enough oxygen concentrations based on ABG values.

Since burn injury causes significant shifts in fluid balance, at least two large-bore IV access sites must be established to administer large volumes of IV fluid replacement. Crystalloid solutions (lactated Ringer's) and/or colloid solutions (albumin) are often infused. The amount of fluid replacement is determined by assessing the extent of the wound (refer to the Picmonic on "Rule of Nines"). The rate of fluids must be titrated based on vital signs and hourly urine output. During the diuresis phase, the patient may need a urinary catheter. Monitor the patient's hydration status to ensure adequate hydration.

Dry sterile dressing changes with topical antimicrobial ointment are often used in burn wound care. Scheduling adequate time and providing emotional support is essential in establishing a trusting patient relationship. After establishing the burn patient's airway, circulation, and fluid balance, the focus should be on caring for the burn wound to prevent infection. Since infection caused by the patient's own flora may occur, proper burn wound care is critical to avoid further tissue injury. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn while caring for the patient's exposed open burn wounds (refer to the Picmonic on "Standard Precautions").

Debridement is the removal of necrotic skin damaged by burn injury. The burn wound may be debrided by healthcare personnel using scissors and forceps. Extensive burn wounds will be debrided in the operating room.

Burn injury causes tissue damage and increases capillary permeability. Since extremities may become edematous as fluid enters interstitial spaces, burned limbs should be elevated on pillows to minimize edema.

Early administration of analgesics will help provide comfort to the patient with burn injury. Intravenous administration provides the fastest onset of pain relief. Oral medications are less effective because of slowed GI function or paralytic ileus. Intramuscular injections will not be absorbed properly in burned areas and pool in the tissue instead of circulating in the body. Opioids are the drug of choice for providing adequate pain relief.

Silver sulfadiazine is a topical medication used to decrease microbial counts on the wound. This ointment helps prevent the development of infection and unlike sulfamylon does not cause pain on application.

Burns may form eschar and compromise circulation. Escharotomy involves surgical incisions along the damaged tissue to release pressure of the swollen tissue to resume adequate blood circulation.