Final answer:
Kidney failure following major burns is due to dehydration, decreased blood volume, and subsequent reduced renal perfusion leading to an inability of kidneys to filter waste effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kidney failure secondary to major burns is caused by several factors associated with the initial trauma, including massive fluid loss, electrolyte imbalance, and the systemic effects of circulatory failure. When skin is burned, the body can lose a significant amount of fluid, leading to dehydration. This dehydration, coupled with the loss of skin’s protective barrier against infection, can cause renal and circulatory failure.
Kidney failure, or an inability of the kidneys to filter waste from the blood, can result from the compounded effects of dehydration and a possible decrease in blood volume (hypovolemia), leading to decreased renal perfusion. The treatment of burn patients, therefore, includes the administration of intravenous fluids and nutrients to help offset dehydration, support tissue repair, and combat infection, all with the aim to preserve kidney function.