The nurse notes that a person with full-thickness burns has a reduction in serum potassium level. What should the nurse consider is occurring with this person?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Resolution of burn shock is associated with a reduction in serum potassium levels. Initially, during burn shock, potassium levels may be elevated due to cell destruction and release of intracellular potassium into the bloodstream. As the patient recovers and burn shock resolves, potassium levels can decrease as the kidneys excrete excess potassium and cellular integrity is restored, leading to potassium moving back into the cells.

The Nurse Notes That a Person with Full-Thickness Burns Has