A patient has burns covering 25% TBSA. Is this considered at risk for hypothermia per the guideline?

Prepare for the PCC Field Medical Training Battalion – West Test with valuable insights into the FMTB-W exam. Explore exam formats, understand key expectations, and gain essential tips to excel.

Multiple Choice

A patient has burns covering 25% TBSA. Is this considered at risk for hypothermia per the guideline?

Explanation:
Significant heat loss comes with large skin area loss. When burns cover 25% of the body surface, the barrier to heat is greatly reduced, and during resuscitation and care the patient can lose core heat rapidly. The guideline flags burns around or above this size as at risk for hypothermia, so this patient indeed is at risk. To counter this, maintain a warm environment, use warming devices (like forced-air blankets), warm IV fluids and humidified oxygen, limit exposure, and continuously monitor core temperature, addressing any signs of cooling early.

Significant heat loss comes with large skin area loss. When burns cover 25% of the body surface, the barrier to heat is greatly reduced, and during resuscitation and care the patient can lose core heat rapidly. The guideline flags burns around or above this size as at risk for hypothermia, so this patient indeed is at risk. To counter this, maintain a warm environment, use warming devices (like forced-air blankets), warm IV fluids and humidified oxygen, limit exposure, and continuously monitor core temperature, addressing any signs of cooling early.

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