Nursing Guidelines for Burn Treatment

• In all cases: continuous inhalation of humidified oxygen and chest physiotherapy.
• Emergency surgical intervention if necessary: pneumothorax or the presence of fluid or blood collection in the chest.
• Corticosteroids should not be given (do not affect edema; susceptibility to infection). There is no specific treatment for direct bronchopulmonary lesions.

▶️ Pain Relief

• Pain management by administering over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve). Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16.

▶️ Nutrition

• Early initiation of nutrition is recommended.
• Nutritional status should be assessed regularly (measure weight twice a week).
• Daily requirements for adults:
• Calories: 25 kcal/kg + 40 kcal/% of the body surface area affected.
• Proteins: 1.5-2 g/kg.
• Provide energy-dense foods.
• Nutritional needs are applied with the following distribution: carbohydrates 50%, fats 30%, proteins 20%.
• Provide 5-10 times the recommended daily intake of vitamins and trace elements.
• Enteral nutrition is preferred: oral or nasogastric tube (necessary if burn area > 20% of body surface area).
• Begin with small amounts on the first day, then gradually increase to meet the recommended energy needs within 3 days.
• Reduce energy loss: occlusive dressing (elastic), warm environment (28-33°C), early skin grafting; management of pain, insomnia, and depression.