Which information will the nurse collect to assist in the classification of a burn injury as minor, moderate, or major? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply

Question

1. Location of the burns on the body
2. The history of the event and location where the injury occurred
3. Any concurrent injuries
4. The time the injury occurred
5. The causative agent

Answer 1

1,2,3,5
Rationale 1: The location of the burns on the body is one of the important determinates of classification. For example, burns of the face and hands are always considered major burns.
Rationale 2: If the injury occurred in an enclosed area, such as a house, there also may be inhalation injuries that require special consideration and treatment. Inhalation injuries are considered major burns.
Rationale 3: If complicated injuries such as those from multiple traumas are present, the burn is considered a major burn.
Rationale 4: The time of the burn is not a burn classification criterion.
Rationale 5: The cause or manner of the burn is included in classification. For example, electrical burns are major burns.