Burn injuries, ranging from minor household scalds to severe, life-threatening trauma, require careful and appropriate management. Pharmacists play a vital role in all stages of burn care, from recommending OTC products and providing first aid advice in the community setting to managing complex pain and infectious disease prophylaxis in the hospital. This quiz for PharmD students will test your knowledge on the classification, assessment, and treatment of burn injuries, reflecting the core competencies needed to ensure patient safety and promote healing.
1. A burn that affects only the epidermis, causing redness and pain but no blistering, is classified as what degree?
- First-degree
- Second-degree
- Third-degree
- Fourth-degree
Answer: First-degree
2. A patient presents with a burn that is red, blistered, and very painful. The damage extends through the epidermis and into the dermis. This is characteristic of a:
- First-degree burn
- Second-degree burn
- Third-degree burn
- Superficial burn
Answer: Second-degree burn
3. What is the most appropriate immediate first-aid measure for a minor thermal burn?
- Apply butter or oil to the area.
- Apply ice directly to the burn.
- Immerse the area in cool tap water for 10-15 minutes.
- Immediately cover the burn with a dry, adhesive bandage.
Answer: Immerse the area in cool tap water for 10-15 minutes.
4. A patient self-treating a minor burn at home asks which OTC analgesic is best for the pain. A suitable recommendation for a patient with no contraindications would be:
- A topical antibiotic
- Diphenhydramine
- Acetaminophen or an NSAID like ibuprofen
- Aspirin
Answer: Acetaminophen or an NSAID like ibuprofen
5. A third-degree burn is characterized by:
- Redness and minor swelling only.
- The formation of large blisters.
- Destruction of the epidermis and dermis, often appearing white or charred with little to no sensation.
- Damage limited to the top layer of skin.
Answer: Destruction of the epidermis and dermis, often appearing white or charred with little to no sensation.
6. Which of the following patient situations involving a burn would warrant immediate referral to a physician or emergency department?
- A small first-degree burn on the forearm.
- A second-degree burn larger than 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Any burn involving the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
- Both B and C.
Answer: Both B and C.
7. In the pathophysiology of a severe burn, massive fluid loss from the intravascular space can lead to which life-threatening condition?
- Hypertensive crisis
- Hypovolemic shock
- Anaphylactic shock
- Septic shock
Answer: Hypovolemic shock
8. The “Rule of Nines” is a tool used in pre-hospital and emergency settings to:
- Estimate the Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) affected by a burn.
- Determine the depth of the burn.
- Calculate the appropriate dose of an antibiotic.
- Assess the patient’s level of consciousness.
Answer: Estimate the Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) affected by a burn.
9. Why is infection a major complication of moderate to severe burns?
- The burn destroys the skin’s protective barrier.
- All burn patients are inherently immunocompromised.
- The use of topical antibiotics is ineffective.
- Burns are always caused by bacteria.
Answer: The burn destroys the skin’s protective barrier.
10. A common topical antimicrobial agent used for burn wound care to prevent infection is:
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Petroleum jelly
- Silver sulfadiazine cream
- Calamine lotion
Answer: Silver sulfadiazine cream
11. A key counseling point when a patient is using an OTC topical antibiotic (e.g., neomycin/polymyxin B/bacitracin) on a minor burn is to:
- Apply it to a large, open, third-degree burn.
- Watch for signs of a localized allergic reaction or contact dermatitis.
- Use it for a minimum of six months.
- Expect it to completely prevent scarring.
Answer: Watch for signs of a localized allergic reaction or contact dermatitis.
12. The process of removing dead tissue from a burn wound is known as:
- Debridement
- Decontamination
- Dehydration
- Denaturation
Answer: Debridement
13. In the inpatient setting, pain management for a patient with severe burns often requires:
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs only.
- Scheduled intravenous opioids.
- A single dose of acetaminophen.
- Non-pharmacologic measures exclusively.
Answer: Scheduled intravenous opioids.
14. A patient with burns covering more than 20% of their TBSA requires fluid resuscitation. The Parkland formula is used to calculate:
- The total amount of pain medication needed.
- The required daily caloric intake.
- The volume of intravenous fluids needed over the first 24 hours.
- The appropriate dose of prophylactic antibiotics.
Answer: The volume of intravenous fluids needed over the first 24 hours.
15. A patient involved in a house fire who was coughing and has soot around their mouth and nose should be immediately assessed for:
- A food allergy.
- An electrical burn.
- Inhalation injury.
- A chemical burn.
Answer: Inhalation injury.
16. Which of the following is NOT an appropriate action for first aid of a minor burn?
- Removing clothing or jewelry from the burned area.
- Applying a sterile, non-adhesive dressing.
- Intentionally breaking any blisters that form.
- Keeping the area clean.
Answer: Intentionally breaking any blisters that form.
17. What is the primary role of a skin protectant like petroleum jelly or allantoin in minor burn care?
- To prevent infection.
- To provide analgesia.
- To keep the wound moist and prevent dressing adherence.
- To debride the wound.
Answer: To keep the wound moist and prevent dressing adherence.
18. Why is pain management in pediatric burn patients particularly challenging?
- Children do not feel pain.
- Pain assessment can be difficult, and dosing requires careful weight-based calculations.
- Opioids are not effective in children.
- Children are never anxious about painful procedures.
Answer: Pain assessment can be difficult, and dosing requires careful weight-based calculations.
19. A pharmacist may be asked to compound a specific topical formulation for a burn patient. This is an example of:
- A regulatory function of the FDA.
- A service provided by advanced non-sterile compounding.
- A task typically performed by a nurse.
- A violation of pharmacy practice standards.
Answer: A service provided by advanced non-sterile compounding.
20. Tetanus immunization status is critical to assess in a burn patient because:
- The tetanus vaccine can reverse the burn damage.
- A break in the skin creates a portal of entry for Clostridium tetani.
- All burn patients are allergic to the tetanus vaccine.
- The vaccine helps manage burn pain.
Answer: A break in the skin creates a portal of entry for Clostridium tetani.
21. A patient with a severe electrical burn is at high risk for:
- Deep tissue injury that may not be apparent on the skin surface.
- Cardiac arrhythmias.
- Rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
22. Mafenide acetate is a topical antimicrobial for burns that has a potential side effect of:
- Causing metabolic acidosis due to its inhibition of carbonic anhydrase.
- Staining the skin black.
- Lowering blood sugar.
- Causing severe constipation.
Answer: Causing metabolic acidosis due to its inhibition of carbonic anhydrase.
23. The “inflammatory phase” is the first stage of normal wound healing. What is its primary purpose?
- To form a permanent scar.
- To achieve hemostasis and clean the wound of debris and bacteria.
- To rebuild the dermal tissue with new collagen.
- To increase the sensation of pain.
Answer: To achieve hemostasis and clean the wound of debris and bacteria.
24. A patient with a chemical burn should be instructed to:
- Immediately apply a neutralizing agent without knowing what it is.
- Cover the area immediately with a dry dressing.
- Irrigate the affected area with copious amounts of running water for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Apply a thick ointment to the chemical.
Answer: Irrigate the affected area with copious amounts of running water for at least 15-20 minutes.
25. A key aspect of nutritional support for a patient with a major burn is providing:
- A low-calorie, low-protein diet to allow the body to rest.
- High-calorie, high-protein nutritional support to meet the demands of the hypermetabolic state.
- A clear liquid diet only for the duration of the hospital stay.
- A diet rich in fatty foods.
Answer: High-calorie, high-protein nutritional support to meet the demands of the hypermetabolic state.
26. The choice of wound dressing for a burn depends on:
- The depth and size of the burn.
- The amount of exudate.
- The location of the burn.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
27. Silver sulfadiazine cream should be used with caution in patients with a known allergy to:
- Penicillin
- Sulfa drugs
- Aspirin
- Peanuts
Answer: Sulfa drugs
28. An occlusive dressing is one that:
- Allows air to freely pass through to the wound.
- Blocks the transfer of moisture, keeping the wound moist.
- Is designed to absorb a large amount of fluid.
- Contains an active medication.
Answer: Blocks the transfer of moisture, keeping the wound moist.
29. What is a primary goal of pain management during burn dressing changes?
- To ensure the patient is fully sedated and unconscious.
- To provide adequate pre-procedural analgesia to minimize pain and anxiety.
- To use only non-pharmacologic methods.
- To avoid all opioids due to the risk of addiction.
Answer: To provide adequate pre-procedural analgesia to minimize pain and anxiety.
30. Scar management after a burn has healed may include the use of:
- Heating pads.
- Sun exposure to darken the scar.
- Silicone gel sheeting and compression garments.
- Abrasive cleansers.
Answer: Silicone gel sheeting and compression garments.
31. A pharmacist working in an emergency department during a mass casualty event involving a fire would need to be prepared for:
- A surge of patients with burns and inhalation injuries.
- Routine prescription refills.
- Managing chronic disease states.
- Compounding sterile chemotherapy.
Answer: A surge of patients with burns and inhalation injuries.
32. The “proliferative phase” of wound healing is characterized by:
- Inflammation and phagocytosis.
- The formation of granulation tissue, angiogenesis, and epithelialization.
- Scar maturation and remodeling.
- The initial injury and clot formation.
Answer: The formation of granulation tissue, angiogenesis, and epithelialization.
33. An advantage of a hydrocolloid dressing for a partial-thickness burn is that it:
- Needs to be changed multiple times a day.
- Is transparent, allowing for easy wound inspection.
- Provides a moist wound environment and can be left in place for several days.
- Is best for wounds with very heavy exudate.
Answer: Provides a moist wound environment and can be left in place for several days.
34. For a minor sunburn, which OTC product provides symptomatic relief for pain and inflammation?
- A topical antibiotic
- An oral NSAID like ibuprofen
- A topical antifungal
- A diuretic
Answer: An oral NSAID like ibuprofen
35. A pharmacist can play a key role in preventing burn injuries by:
- Counseling on home safety measures, such as setting water heater temperatures appropriately.
- Recommending fire-retardant clothing.
- Teaching proper fire extinguisher use.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
36. A significant challenge in managing severe burn patients in the ICU is:
- The low risk of complications.
- The hypermetabolic and hypercatabolic state that the body enters.
- The ease of pain management.
- The rapid healing time.
Answer: The hypermetabolic and hypercatabolic state that the body enters.
37. The role of the pharmacist on a multidisciplinary burn unit team often includes:
- Recommending appropriate analgesic regimens.
- Dosing and monitoring antibiotics.
- Managing nutritional support formulas.
- All of the above.
Answer: All of the above.
38. Which patient population is at higher risk for severe complications from a burn of a given size due to thinner skin and less physiologic reserve?
- Young adults
- Athletes
- The elderly and very young children.
- Middle-aged adults
Answer: The elderly and very young children.
39. A silver-impregnated dressing is used in burn care for its:
- Analgesic properties.
- Moisturizing properties.
- Antimicrobial properties.
- Debriding properties.
Answer: Antimicrobial properties.
40. A patient experiences psychological trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD, after a severe burn. An important part of their holistic care is:
- Ignoring their psychological symptoms.
- Providing access to mental health support and counseling.
- Telling them to be strong and not worry.
- Prescribing a sedative for long-term use.
Answer: Providing access to mental health support and counseling.
41. The first step in the self-care assessment of a burn, using a framework like SCHOLAR-MAC, would be to determine the:
- Symptoms (e.g., pain, blistering).
- Characteristics of the burn (e.g., how it happened, how deep it looks).
- History of the burn (when it happened).
- All of the above are important early assessment steps.
Answer: All of the above are important early assessment steps.
42. Why is it important to ensure adequate fluid resuscitation in a severe burn patient?
- To prevent hypovolemic shock and maintain perfusion to vital organs like the kidneys.
- To cool the patient down.
- To make the patient more comfortable.
- To prevent scarring.
Answer: To prevent hypovolemic shock and maintain perfusion to vital organs like the kidneys.
43. A common source of bacterial infection in burn wounds is:
- The patient’s own skin or gastrointestinal flora.
- Sterile water used to clean the wound.
- The air in the hospital room.
- The plastic packaging of the dressing.
Answer: The patient’s own skin or gastrointestinal flora.
44. A patient self-treating a minor burn should be counseled to seek medical attention if:
- The pain is completely gone after one day.
- The burn shows signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, or purulent drainage.
- The burn starts to feel itchy as it heals.
- The burn heals without a scar.
Answer: The burn shows signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, or purulent drainage.
45. The use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump may be appropriate for managing pain in which burn patient population?
- All pediatric patients.
- Cognitively intact hospitalized patients with severe, ongoing pain.
- Patients self-treating minor burns at home.
- Non-verbal patients.
Answer: Cognitively intact hospitalized patients with severe, ongoing pain.
46. Which of the following is NOT a goal of burn wound care?
- To prevent infection.
- To promote a moist healing environment.
- To remove dead tissue.
- To encourage the formation of a dry, hard scab.
Answer: To encourage the formation of a dry, hard scab.
47. The most accurate way to assess the depth of a burn is:
- By the amount of pain the patient feels.
- By the color of the wound.
- By a clinical examination performed by an experienced healthcare provider.
- By the size of the affected area.
Answer: By a clinical examination performed by an experienced healthcare provider.
48. A pharmacist might compound a “Pluronic Lecithin Organogel” (PLO) for burn pain to:
- Deliver medications like analgesics or anesthetics transdermally to the site of pain.
- Create a systemic antibiotic formulation.
- Provide intravenous nutrition.
- Serve as a decorative dressing.
Answer: Deliver medications like analgesics or anesthetics transdermally to the site of pain.
49. A patient with a sunburn covering a large portion of their back should be advised to:
- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly.
- Use a high-potency topical steroid.
- Stay hydrated and use cool compresses and oral analgesics for relief.
- Take hot showers to relieve the pain.
Answer: Stay hydrated and use cool compresses and oral analgesics for relief.
50. The ultimate role of the pharmacist in burn care is to:
- Ensure the safe and effective use of medications to promote healing and improve the patient’s quality of life.
- Diagnose the type and severity of all burns.
- Perform surgical skin grafting.
- Manage the patient’s physical therapy schedule.
Answer: Ensure the safe and effective use of medications to promote healing and improve the patient’s quality of life.
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com