Question

People with full thickness burns to more than 20 % of their body are in a life- threatening situation. This is due to which of the following?

A. The body's inability to thermoregulate.
B. The loss of the ability to produce vitamin D.
C. The buildup of urea and uric acid which would otherwise have been excreted by the skin.
D. The body's inability to prevent water loss

Answer 1

Full thickness burns over 20% of the body threaten life primarily because they prevent the skin from retaining moisture, leading to severe dehydration and related complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

People with full thickness burns to more than 20% of their body are indeed in a life-threatening situation primarily due to the body's inability to prevent water loss. The skin is an essential component of the integumentary system, which, among its various functions, is critical in maintaining fluid balance by providing a barrier to water loss. When someone sustains full thickness burns, also known as third-degree burns, this barrier is compromised. The lost skin cannot retain moisture, leading to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and potentially, renal and circulatory failure. Immediate medical attention is necessary to manage fluid loss, prevent infection, and appropriately treat the burns, often through the use of intravenous fluids and, in some cases, skin grafting.