Management of fluid and electrolyte balance in thermal injuries: implications for perioperative nursing practice.
Thermal injury results in damage to the skin and underlying subcutaneous tissues. Extensive cutaneous injuries result in loss of water and electrolytes, and a disturbance in the homeostatic balance. The purpose of this article is to describe the pathophysiological changes that occur following extensive thermal injury and the common fluid-management challenges they provide. Implications for perioperative nursing practice are discussed.
Carrougher
G J
GJ
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington Burn Center, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle 98104, USA.
D002056:Burns / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000451:nursing*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance