Final answer:
A burn results from skin damage caused by intense heat, radiation, electricity, or chemicals. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids and nutrients to repair tissues. Leukocytosis, an elevated white blood cell count, is expected in burn patients due to the immune response to tissue damage and inflammation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A burn results when the skin is damaged by intense heat, radiation, electricity, or chemicals. The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset dehydration, as well as intravenous nutrients that enable the body to repair tissues and replace lost proteins. Another serious threat to the lives of burn patients is infection. Burned skin is extremely susceptible to bacteria and other pathogens, due to the loss of protection by intact layers of skin.
Burns are also classified by the degree of their severity. A first-degree burn is a superficial burn that affects only the epidermis. A second-degree burn goes deeper and affects both the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. A third-degree burn fully extends into the epidermis and dermis, destroying the tissue and affecting the nerve endings and sensory function. A fourth-degree burn is even more severe, affecting the underlying muscle and bone.
Leukocytosis, an elevated white blood cell count, is commonly seen in burn patients. This is an expected finding because burns cause tissue damage and inflammation, leading to an immune response. White blood cells are part of the immune system and their increased production is a natural defense mechanism to fight against potential infections and promote wound healing.