Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

The urgency of treatment in managing burns is primarily determined by the depth and extent of the burn, as well as the affected body parts. Understanding the depth of a burn—whether it is superficial, partial-thickness, or full-thickness—helps medical personnel assess the severity of tissue damage and the potential for complications. Additionally, the extent of the burn is crucial, as burns covering significant body surface area (such as more than 10% in children or 20% in adults) can lead to systemic complications, including shock and fluid loss, requiring immediate intervention.

Certain body parts are more critical when affected by burns. Burns to the face, hands, feet, genitals, or over major joints can result in functional impairments and require specialized treatment. Therefore, both depth and extent, along with the location, dictate how urgently a patient needs to be treated to minimize complications and improve outcomes. Other factors, such as the patient's age, cause of the burn, and the presence of infection, may also influence treatment but are secondary to the immediate assessment of the burn itself.