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Lab Studies:
- Severe burns (third degree) require a complete laboratory work
up, including:
- Complete blood count
- Chemistry profile
- Arterial blood gas with carboxyhemoglobin
- Coagulation profile
- Urine analysis
- Type and screen
- CPK and Urine Myoglobin, with Electrical Injuries
Imaging Studies:
- Chest x-ray (CXR): A CXR should be
obtained on all patients whose history or physical exam suggests the possibilty of
inhalation injury or who require intubation to manage the airway. However, the initial
chest film rarely shows significant findings of smoke inhalation.
- Other plain films: Based upon
history and physical findings, other plain films should be obtained to assess for other
associated traumatic injuries.
- CT Scan: Based upon history and
physical findings, CT scans should be obtained to assess for other associated traumatic
injuries.
Other Tests:
A fiberoptic bronchoscopy should be performed in any patient
suspected of an inhalation burn. |