Which of the following is NOT seen in severe burns?

Appeared in: UPRVUNL - 2021

Explanation

Hyperthermia (high body temperature) is not a direct or initial complication of severe burns.
The primary thermal disturbance in the acute phase of a severe burn is massive heat loss due to the destruction of the skin's thermoregulatory function.
This leads to a high risk of hypothermia (low body temperature), the opposite of hyperthermia.
While fever (a form of hyperthermia) can occur later due to complications like sepsis or a hypermetabolic state, it is not a primary feature of the burn injury itself.

Option A: Sepsis is a major and often fatal complication of severe burns because the loss of the skin barrier allows microorganisms to invade the body.
Option B: Hypovolemia (burn shock) is an immediate and life-threatening complication due to massive fluid shifts from the bloodstream into the tissues.
Option C: A specific type of duodenal ulcer, known as a Curling's ulcer, is a well-documented complication of severe burns, caused by stress and reduced blood flow to the gut.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of Severe Burns as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A core nursing priority in the initial management of a severe burn patient is preventing hypothermia by using warm blankets, heated IV fluids, and maintaining a warm environment.
Aggressive fluid resuscitation, often guided by the Parkland formula, is critical to combat hypovolemic shock and maintain organ perfusion.
Prophylactic administration of medications like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors is often initiated to prevent the formation of Curling's ulcers.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative framing of the question with the keyword 'NOT'. This means you are looking for the option that is inconsistent with the condition.
Next, recall the pathophysiology of a severe burn injury. Focus on the primary functions of the skin that are lost: protection from infection, prevention of fluid loss, and temperature regulation.
Evaluate each option against this pathophysiology.
Sepsis: Loss of skin barrier makes infection likely. This is a known complication.
Hypovolemia: Damaged capillaries leak fluid. This is a known complication.
Duodenal ulcer: Systemic stress and low blood volume affect the gut. This is a known complication (Curling's ulcer).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Complications of Severe Burns
Stem keywords: severe burns, complications
Lead-in keywords: NOT seen
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the condition that is NOT a complication of severe burns.

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 441-443

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.