A nurse is caring for a client who has burns to approximately 50% of their body. Which of the following physiological changes related to the burns should the nurse anticipate? (Select all that apply.)

A. "Bake or grill the meat rather than frying it."

This statement is more related to reducing fat intake rather than managing sodium levels. While reducing fried foods can be beneficial for overall health, it doesn't directly address the issue of sodium intake, which is crucial in managing hypernatremia.

B. “Check your radial pulse twice a day.”

Checking the radial pulse is a method used to monitor heart rate and rhythm. It is not directly related to managing sodium levels or hypernatremia. Although monitoring vital signs is important in general health care, it is not specific to addressing mild hypernatremia.

C. "Read food labels to determine sodium content."

This statement is the correct choice. Managing sodium intake is a key component in managing hypernatremia. Reading food labels helps patients identify high-sodium foods and make choices that are lower in sodium content, which can be crucial in preventing or managing mild hypernatremia.

D. “Weigh yourself every morning and every night."

While regular weight monitoring can be important for certain health conditions, it is not directly related to managing mild hypernatremia. Weight changes may occur with fluid retention or loss, but monitoring sodium intake and hydration status is more directly relevant to managing hypernatremia.

A. Decreased plasma volume:Burn injuries cause a significant inflammatory response, leading to fluid shifts from the intravascular space to the interstitial space. This results in hypovolemia and decreased plasma volume, especially during the acute phase of burns.

B. Diuresis:Diuresis typically occurs after fluid resuscitation and stabilization of the client (in the later phase of burn recovery). In the initial phase, oliguria is more common due to hypovolemia and reduced renal perfusion.

C. Hypermagnesemia:Hypermagnesemia is not typically associated with burn injuries. Instead, clients with burns often experience hypomagnesemia due to fluid shifts, protein loss, and increased renal losses.

D. Capillary leak:Burn injuries lead to a systemic inflammatory response, causing capillary leak syndrome. This increases vascular permeability, allowing fluid, electrolytes, and proteins to leak into the interstitial spaces, contributing to edema and hypovolemia.

E. Loss of protein:Proteins are lost through damaged capillaries and open burn wounds, contributing to decreased oncotic pressure, edema, and a need for aggressive nutritional support to promote healing and recovery.