Pathophysiology Mr. Eisner, age 43, sustained severe burns while welding a gasol
ID: 70006 • Letter: P
Question
Pathophysiology
Mr. Eisner, age 43, sustained severe burns while welding a gasoline tank that he had removed from a truck. He had full-thickness burns on his face and bald head and on both of his arms and hands – as well as a mixture of superficial and deep partial-thickness burns on his anterior trunk. His genital area, lower extremities, and posterior body were not burned. After assessment and emergency stabilization, Mr. Eisner was transported to a regional burn center for care.
4. Why is Mr. Eisner at high risk for hypovolemia?
Explanation / Answer
Hypovolemia is a condition, which is characterized decreased blood volume specifically blood plasma in a person. It is a life-threatening condition, which is caused due to loss of 20% of body fluids or blood. Thus, the heart will be unable to supply the sufficient blood to the body, which results in organ failure.
In severe burns, the loss of body fluids occur, which leads to decrease in blood volume. Thus, it leads to hypovolemia.
Hence, in the given case, Mr. Eisner suffered with severe burns that lead to severe loss of body fluids, which increases the risk of hypovolemia.