History of Present Illness:
An infant is brought to the ER by mom after boiling water from a bottle strerilising thermos spilled onto his right side while he was wearing a onesie.
Vital Signs & Physical Exam:
Vital signs are normal. He is intermittently crying but consolable with bottle feeds and wet gauze. See image below
What is the most likely TBSA & dispo?
- A) 5%, admit
- B) 15%, admit
- C) 5%, home
- D) 15%, home
SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS & 1-MINUTE CONSULT
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ADVERTISEMENT & SPACER >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
***************************************************************************
THE EMERGENCY MEDICINE POCKETBOOK TRIFECTA
Get one of our publications, all designed specifically for Emergency Care Providers:
- Emergency Medicine 8-in-1 Diagnostics & Procedure Guide, 5th edition (NEW)
- Emergency Medicine 1-Minute Consult Pocketbook, 5th edition (NEW)
- A to Z pocket EM Pharmacopoeia, 4th ed (NEW)
***************************************************************************
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< END SPACER >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
ANSWER:
- A) 5%, admit. This is much more than 5%
- B) 15%, admit. CORRECT. >10% TBSA in a patient younger than 10 should be considered for admission.
- C) 5%, home. 5% could usually go home but this is much higher TBSA than that
- D) 15%, home. 15% TBSA in an otherwise healthy adult could go home if pain control adequate, no complications/comorbidities and good follow-up.
1-Minute EM Consult on the topic for this case from the Emergency Medicine 1-minute Consult Pocketbook
CLICK HERE TO LEAR MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK
CASE CONCLUSION: Transfer to burn center. Did well.