Which electrolyte disturbance is commonly seen early in burn resuscitation?

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Multiple Choice

Which electrolyte disturbance is commonly seen early in burn resuscitation?

Explanation:
Early after a burn, potassium leaks out of damaged cells into the extracellular space, and acidosis from tissue injury further drives potassium out of cells. This combination makes hyperkalemia the most common electrolyte disturbance seen during initial burn resuscitation. As fluids are resuscitated and perfusion improves, potassium can shift back into cells, potentially causing hypokalemia later. Hyponatremia isn’t the hallmark of the immediate phase, though it can occur with large-volume resuscitation or evaporative losses. So the best answer reflects the tendency for elevated potassium early on.

Early after a burn, potassium leaks out of damaged cells into the extracellular space, and acidosis from tissue injury further drives potassium out of cells. This combination makes hyperkalemia the most common electrolyte disturbance seen during initial burn resuscitation. As fluids are resuscitated and perfusion improves, potassium can shift back into cells, potentially causing hypokalemia later. Hyponatremia isn’t the hallmark of the immediate phase, though it can occur with large-volume resuscitation or evaporative losses. So the best answer reflects the tendency for elevated potassium early on.

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