This statement in a recent CDC MMWR caught my eye, “Adults aged ≥65 years have a worse prognosis than younger patients after scald burns because of age-related factors and comorbid medical conditions, and they are subject to more extensive medical treatment than younger adults.”
When assessing burn patients – of any age – remember assessing and managing ABC life threats is more important than the burn injuries. Unless those burn injuries are causing ABC life threats. The fluid shift associated with significant burns does not develop immediately. If the burn patient is hypovolemic there is trauma or medical cause that needs to be found and treated.
Learn more in two related RapidCE.com continuing education lessons:
- Burn Injury Assessment and Treatment
- Geriatric Patient Assessment
