Understanding Wound Care and Burns

Which of the following best describes a decubitus ulcer?

• A fracture of the bone

• A pressure sore caused by prolonged pressure on the skin

• A type of burn caused by chemicals

• A sprain of the ankle

Answer explanation

A decubitus ulcer, also known as a pressure sore, occurs when prolonged pressure on the skin restricts blood flow, leading to tissue damage. This makes 'A pressure sore caused by prolonged pressure on the skin' the correct choice.

Which of the following is NOT a type of soft tissue injury?

• avulsions

• Abrasion

• Laceration

• Fracture

• puncture

Answer explanation

A fracture is a break in a bone, not a soft tissue injury. The other options—avulsions, abrasions, lacerations, and punctures—are all types of soft tissue injuries.

Which classification method is commonly used to determine the depth of a burn?

• Rule of Nines

• First, second, and third degree

• Glasgow Coma Scale

• ABCDE method

Answer explanation

The classification of burns into first, second, and third degree is essential for determining their depth and severity. This method helps in assessing the appropriate treatment and care needed for burn injuries.

The Rule of Nines is primarily used to estimate:

• The depth of a burn

• The percentage of body surface area burned

• The type of soft tissue injury

• The stage of a decubitus ulcer

Answer explanation

The Rule of Nines is a method used to quickly estimate the percentage of body surface area burned in cases of burns, making it essential for assessing burn severity and treatment needs.

Which of the following is a key step in the initial assessment of a burn patient?

• Measuring blood pressure only

• Estimating the total body surface area affected

• Checking for bone fractures

• Applying a cast

Answer explanation

Estimating the total body surface area affected is crucial in assessing burn severity and guiding treatment. It helps determine fluid resuscitation needs and overall management, making it a key step in the initial assessment.

A laceration is best described as:

• A bruise caused by blunt force

• A scrape of the skin

• A tear or cut in the skin

• A burn caused by heat

Answer explanation

A laceration is specifically defined as a tear or cut in the skin, distinguishing it from other injuries like bruises, scrapes, or burns. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A tear or cut in the skin'.

Which of the following is a partial-thickness burn?

• First-degree burn

• Second-degree burn

• Third-degree burn

• Fourth-degree burn

Answer explanation

A second-degree burn is classified as a partial-thickness burn because it affects both the epidermis and part of the dermis, causing blisters and pain. In contrast, first-degree burns are superficial, while third and fourth-degree burns are full-thickness.

According to the Rule of Nines, what percentage of the total body surface area does one leg represent in an adult?

• 9%

• 18%

• 27%

• 36%

Answer explanation

According to the Rule of Nines, each leg accounts for 18% of the total body surface area in an adult. Therefore, the correct answer is 18%.

A patient presents with a soft tissue injury that is swollen, discolored, and tender but the skin is not broken. What type of injury is this?

• Abrasion

• Contusion

• Laceration

• Incision

Answer explanation

The patient's injury is swollen, discolored, and tender without broken skin, indicating a contusion, which is a bruise caused by trauma to the soft tissue. Abrasions, lacerations, and incisions involve skin damage.

If a patient has a burn on the entire right arm and the anterior trunk, what is the estimated total body surface area burned using the Rule of Nines?

• 9%

• 18%

• 27%

• 36%

Answer explanation

Using the Rule of Nines, the entire right arm accounts for 9% and the anterior trunk for 18%. Adding these gives 27%, which is the estimated total body surface area burned.