What is the immediate concern for a patient with extensive 3rd-degree burns?

• A. Hypervolemia.
• B. Hypothermia.
• C. Hypovolemia.
• D. Hypertension.

Answer: (C)

Extensive burns cause a rapid shift of fluid from the intravascular space into the damaged tissues because the capillary walls become highly permeable. This dramatic loss of circulating blood volume leads to hypovolemia, which reduces venous return and cardiac output, risking burn shock and inadequate tissue perfusion. Addressing this circulating deficit quickly with appropriate fluid resuscitation is the immediate priority to stabilize the patient. While preventing hypothermia and other complications is important, they are secondary to correcting the circulating volume. Hypervolemia would be a later risk if fluids are given in excess, and hypertension is not typically an immediate concern in this scenario.