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Nursing a teenager with burns
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|March 10, 1993
Summary
Teenagers with burns face significant psychosocial challenges due to body image issues and disfigurement impacting self-worth. Early recognition and referral by nurses are crucial for managing these psychological problems in burn survivors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Nursing Research
- Burn Care
Background:
- Adolescent psychological development includes forming a self-concept and sense of worth.
- Burn injuries can severely disrupt this development, leading to psychosocial difficulties.
- Existing nursing research inadequately addresses the psychosocial needs of burn patients.
Observation:
- Burned teenagers struggle with psychosocial readjustment post-injury.
- Disfigurement from burns results in various psychological issues.
- These issues include depression, phobias, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and social/academic impairment.
Findings:
- Burn patients exhibit a high prevalence of psychological problems.
- These problems can manifest as depression, anxiety, and impaired social functioning.
- The long-term consequences include high divorce rates and juvenile delinquency.
Implications:
- Nurses must be trained to identify psychosocial problems in burn patients.
- Prompt referral to specialized mental health professionals is essential.
- Addressing these issues is vital for improving the long-term well-being of burn survivors.