The nurse is caring for a patient with third-degree burns and notes a reduction in the serum potassium level. The nurse recognizes that this finding is consistent with which event?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Third-degree burns can result in potassium moving from the intracellular space to the extracellular space, leading to hyperkalemia. As the burn shock resolves and the patient stabilizes, the potassium levels may return to normal or even decrease, resulting in hypokalemia.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Third-Degree Burns