Professional Documents
Culture Documents
NURSING CARE/MANAGEMENT:
Objectives:
To prevent shock
To improve tissue perfusion
To relieve pain
To prevent infection
To allay anxiety
To prevent complication e.g. contractures
To promote wound healing
Prevention of infection starts at the time of admission hence, put patient in a clean bed.
Injury to the skin destroys the body’s first line of defence thus infection sets in easily.
Important to clean wound on regular basis.
Use aseptic technique and sterile gloves during wound care.
Care for the patient in a special burns unit
Give high protein foods to boost immunity
Identify and monitor signs of infection: fever, Tachycardia, change in mental state.
Prevent exogenous infection by not allowing any one with infectious disease near the
patient (Mr. Mayeso) (give 1% each for any 5 points-Max-5%
WOUND CARE
(iv) Methods of Treatment: Depending on the location of burn, its size and depth.
1
When nursing the patient, wear sterile gown, mask and apron, sterile linen may
also be put on the bed.
Patient may experience a lot of pain give controlled administration of morphine
sulphate.
Minimise discomfort-patients loose more heat from burned surfaces than normal
skin.
Humidity of the room should be controlled.
b) SEMI OPEN METHOD:
Covering the wound with topical antimicrobial agents.
A thin layer of gauze is used to cover the wound
Clean the wound once or twice daily
Wounds are cleaned and dressings changed at least once or twice daily.
Promote mobility by 2nd day of injury-Any delay may result in contractures.
Topical agents applied to the wound, help decrease infection and fasten wound
healing. The agents include: Silverdene, Silver, Nitrate, Povidone, Furacin,
Geramycin, Neomycin.
Exercises of the arm when condition allows, to prevent and correct contracture
Involve physical and occupational therapist
(vii) NUTRITION
Give high protein diet, vitamins and vegetables for tissue repair.
Ensure adequate nutritious fluids.
(viii) HYGIENE
(ix) OBSERVATIONS
Temperature
Pulse
B/P
Respiration
Observe for any complaint (s) about pain or pressure on the limbs,
2
Observe for cyanosis.
Assess the wound healing process
Observe whether patient is having good sleep and rest
Assess for appetite and nutritional status.
(c ) COMPLICATIONS OF BURNS
Hypovolaemic shock
Neurological shock
1. Infection
Contractures
Loss of body image
Damage to organs
Anaemia
Anuria
Renal failure
Paralytic ileus
Dehydration
Superficial
Deep
(iii) FIRST AID TREATMENT
3
Do not hold hot pans with bare hands
Switch off electrical appliances when not used and when closing the hotel
kitchen
Use first Aid measures to put off fire e.g. use of sand, blanket.
Ensure that extinguishers are always functioning
The hotel kitchen must have a fire point.
2. COMPLICATIONS OF BURNS
1. Hypovolaemic shock
2. Infection
3. Contractures
4. Loss of body image
5. Damage to the organs
6. Dehydration
7. Anaemia
8. Anuria
9. Neurological shock