Bio 1101 Case Study: Integumentary System

Kelsey McMaster

Bio 1101 Case Study:  Integumentary System

Scenario:   It is 2 am and a call comes in that a pedestrian has been struck by a car.  On arrival at the scene, several intoxicated individuals meet the ambulance, stating that they just saw him get hit and the car is on top of him.  The car is still running and the victim is seen lying face down under the carriage of the car.  A 24 year old male is extricated and found to have severe burns to the posterior surface of his body.  He is alert and conscious.  After stabilization, he is transported to the nearest Burn/Trauma unit, which thankfully is within 5 minutes of the accident site.

Physical Examination:  Skin on the back appears charred and brown.  Victim states it is not painful.  

Physician notes:  Third degree burns over 18% of the body.  Skin grafts will be necessary in the future.  Victim must be treated with antibiotics, watched for evidence of infection, given intravenous fluids.

Questions:

1. Since he has third degree burns, in which both the epidermis and dermis are destroyed, why is it reasonable that he is not painful?

The skin is separated from the surrounding tissue. The nerve endings are destroyed from the burn and therefore these burns usually are not painful.

1. What are the functions of the integumentary system?  How do the orders to treat him for infection and give intravenous fluids relate to the loss of those functions in this individual?

The main function of the integumentary system, is to act as a barrier to protect the body from the outside world. It also functions to retain body fluids, protect against disease, eliminate waste products, and regulate body temperature.