Burn – 4th Degree

Burns are generally characterized by degree of damage to the skin with 1st degree being the least severe and 4th degree being the most severe. Degrees refers to the depth through which damage from the burn occurred. A first degree burn is the most superficial, affecting only the uppermost layer of skin, while a fourth degree burn complete penetrates the skin and involves deeper tissues such as muscles, tendons, bones, or other internal organs.

4th Degree Burn: damage muscle, tendon, and ligament tissue, thus result in charring and catastrophic damage of the hypodermis. In some instances the hypodermis tissue may be partially or completely burned away as well as this may result in a condition called compartment syndrome, which threatens both the life and the limb of the patient. Grafting is required if the burn does not prove to be fatal.

In order to appropriately establish wound type and etiology, a thorough wound assessment should be completed as required by state and federal guidelines.

This thorough initial wound assessment or wound reassessment (as a component of a wound status change) is described AHS’ Assessment Guideline. It requires a detailed assessment of the whole patient and their history as well as other factors including duration of the wound, patient’s recollection of the causative factors, complaints of pain, fever, numbness or drainage.