VCW1123 - Management of burns

Leader: Melinda Brooks

Offered

Parkville First semester 2007 (Off-campus)
Parkville Second semester 2007 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

Burns can present serious problems. Burn injuries can affect the nervous, respiratory and circulatory systems that impact on thermal regulation, muscle function and fluid balance. This module will cover the aetiology of burns including thermal, chemical, electrical and radiation burns; the classification of burns; the role and application of debriding, grafting and tissue engineering as strategies to effectively manage the different types of burns; factors that influence the strategies used to manage wounds such as the age of the victim, pre-existing conditions such as diabetes; and issues associated with scarring and contracture.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanisms of injury and physiology of burns;
2. Explain immediate first aid and emergency management of a burns injury;
3. Describe the management of burns in terms of severity of burn, topical management, surgical management, pain control, nutritional support;
4. Identify and explain the potential complications associated with burn injury
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the rehabilitation and long-term consequences of burn injury.

Assessment

Minor assignment (30%), major written assignment (60%), participation in online tutorials (10%)

Prerequisites

VCW1101, VCW1102, VCW1103, VCW1104, VCW1105