Question

The nurse is caring for a child with burn injury who has been admitted to the acute care facility. When assessing this child, which metabolic changes would the nurse expect to find? Select all that apply.

A. Hypermetabolism
B. Elevated catecholamines C. Hyperglycemia
D. Protein excess
E. Positive nitrogen

Answer 1

When caring for a child with a burn injury, a nurse can expect metabolic changes like hypermetabolism, elevated catecholamines, and hyperglycemia. Protein excess and positive nitrogen balance are not expected; instead, protein catabolism and negative nitrogen balance may occur.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing a child with a burn injury who has been admitted to an acute care facility, the nurse can expect to find certain metabolic changes. These include:

• Hypermetabolism: The body's metabolic rate increases as it works to heal the damaged tissues, requiring more energy and nutrients.
• Elevated catecholamines: The stress of the injury causes the adrenal glands to release more catecholamines like adrenaline, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels.
• Hyperglycemia: Increased glucose production and impaired glucose usage can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.

However, protein excess and positive nitrogen balance are not typical findings in this scenario. Instead, patients may experience protein catabolism and a negative nitrogen balance due to the body's utilization of protein for healing, which can lead to muscle wasting.