Which lab values are important to monitor in burn victims?

Monitoring lab values in burn victims is crucial because these patients often experience significant physiological changes due to their injuries and subsequent metabolic demands. Electrolytes, creatinine/BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), and glucose are particularly important.

Electrolytes are vital because burns can lead to fluid shifts and losses that disrupt normal electrolyte balance. For instance, hyperkalemia is a common concern due to tissue destruction, while hyponatremia can occur due to massive fluid resuscitation and dilutional effects.

Creatinine and BUN provide insights into kidney function, which can be impacted by the burn injury and the body's response to treatment. Elevated levels may indicate acute kidney injury or decreased perfusion, which is critical to identify early in the management of burn patients.

Monitoring glucose is also essential, as stress from the injury can lead to hyperglycemia. Additionally, burn victims may have an increased metabolic demand that can significantly stress the body’s insulin response system. Therefore, keeping track of glucose levels helps in managing overall metabolic health and preventing complications such as infection or delayed healing.

Involving these specific laboratory values helps create a comprehensive picture of a burn victim’s condition, guiding appropriate and timely interventions, which ultimately contributes to better patient outcomes.