Question

As part of the ongoing assessment of a client who has an electrical burn, a complete blood count (CBC), electrolyte panel, and renal panel were ordered. The nurse would expect to find which result?

a. Potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L
b. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
c. Hematocrit of 28 mg/dL
d. White blood cell count of 4000/mm³

Answer 1

In the case of a client with an electrical burn, a high potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L may be expected, as burn injuries can result in hyperkalemia due to the release of potassium from damaged cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Following an electrical burn, a client's complete blood count (CBC), electrolyte panel, and renal panel may reveal various abnormalities due to the damage caused by the electrical current. A potential finding in this scenario could be a potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L. An elevated potassium level is known as hyperkalemia and can occur due to the release of potassium from damaged cells. The normal serum potassium level is approximately 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. A value of 5.9 mEq/L is higher than the upper limit of normal, suggesting that the patient may have developed hyperkalemia following the electrical injury. It is also important to note that burn injuries can cause a variety of hematological and electrolyte changes, including potential renal impairment.