196 CARE OF PATIENT IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY

BURNS AND SCALDS

These two are grouped together for both are injuries produced by heat,
the burn by dry heat and the scald by moist heat. First aid treatment is the
same for both conditions. The important features to appreciate with
regard to this type of injury are that can be serious even though

it
(i)
superficial in character large enough skin area involved;

(ii)
if
the

is
a
degree of pain and shock which will accompany an extensive burn, for
such burns even superficial result in loss of plasma (iii) the danger of
if

;
infection and sepsis, to which burns are particularly liable.
As first aid measure, the burnt area should be covered as soon as
a

with sterile one; not sterile, the

if
possible dry dressing, preferably
a

a
material or

If
must be clean. the area sterile clean dressing

is
dressing large,

is,
towels may be used. Clothing which covers the injury best left as

it
is
and should not be cut and pulled away burned on to the skin. In

if
it
is
of with boiling water should
if

the case scald, the clothing soaked

it
is
a

obviously be removed.
The extent of on the severity of the
the treatment required depends
sterile dressing will
If

injury. the burn superficial and not extensive, the

is

be all that more severe and extensive injury requires medical

A

needed.
is

attention. badly burned patient will be in great pain and state of

A

a
shock, and should be kept quiet and reassured while waiting for medical
aid, which should be obtained as soon as possible.

LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Various causes produce loss of consciousness in patient. The loss of
a

consciousness may be partial, when called stupor; or may be com

it
it
is

plete, when called coma. should be possible to differentiate the

it

It
is

probable causes of the state observation of the onset and the condition
by

of the patient.
The radiographer with
emergency should remember to
faced this
notice such details as whether the onset was sudden or gradual, whether
the patient's skin dry or moist, hot or cold, whether his face pale, red,
is
is

or cyanosed, whether his body and limbs are rigid or slack or in spasmodic
muscular contraction, and whether there incontinence of urine or faeces.
is

of details will of value to doctor who may

A

clear report such as these be

a

be called uport to diagnose the cause of the loss of consciousness.