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

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

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Not specified
• D. Only if greater than 30%

Answer: (A)

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.