Mariam Jarad

Surgery & Burn

Medical Terms
 Autograft
A thin layer of skin taken from an
unburned area of the patient's body and
placed on the burned area. The layer of
skin adheres to and covers the burned
area.
 EKG
An electrocardiogram, a
measurement of the heartbeat.
 Intubation
The process of placing a
patient on a ventilator
 Nasogastric Tube (NG)
A small tube passed into the nose and
down into the stomach. This tube may be
used to remove stomach contents or to
give feedings to provide adequate nutrition
not taken by mouth.
 Oximeter
A monitoring device that measures oxygen in
the body. The device may be placed on the
earlobe, finger, or toe.
 Dermis
The layer of the skin located underneath
the dermis which is comprised of
connective tissue, nerve endings and blood
vessels.
 Dressings

A method of treatment in which bandage or

gauze is wrapped around the burn to reduce
the risk of infection.
 Contracture

The shortening of muscle tissue

which results from excessive
scarring and causes limited
mobility.
 Eschar

A piece of dead tissue

 Hypertonic Scar

Overgrown, raised scar tissue

that stays within the injured
area and becomes smaller
overtime.
 Hypothermia
A condition in which body
temperature drops. For burn
survivors, this occurs when a portion
of the skin, which acts as the human
body’s natural blanket, is destroyed.
 Hypovolemia

Decreased blood volume. Due

to large wounds, major burn
survivors are susceptible to
hypovolemia.
 Keloids
Overgrown, raised scar tissue that
spreads beyond the injured area and is
usually flesh or pink colored. Can limit
mobility.
 Sepsis
A life threatening blood infection caused
by bacteria which can lead to shock.
Symptoms include chills, decreased
urination, hyperventilation, warm skin,
lightheadedness and shaking.
 Subcutaneous Tissue

Located underneath the dermis

and is comprised of loose
connective tissue.
 Tetanus

A life threatening disease caused by

bacteria which enters the body through
wounds. Burn survivors are susceptible to
tetanus because the bacterium is resistant
to high temperatures.
TSBA
Stands for total body
surface area and usually
refers to the portion of the
body affected by the burn
injury.
 Immobilization
Prohibiting the mobility of a joint or limb to
assist the healing process.
Debridement

The mechanical, chemical or

surgical removal of dead tissue that
does not come off easily during the
healing period.
 Abscess

A tender, fluid-filled pocket that

forms in tissue, usually due to
infection.