Which electrolyte imbalance is likely to occur within the first 48 hours after a thermal injury?

Following a thermal injury, it is important to understand the body's physiological response to such trauma. Within the first 48 hours, significant physiological changes occur, primarily due to the inflammatory response and fluid losses associated with burns.

In the acute phase post-burn, the body experiences a release of potassium into the extracellular fluid due to cell damage and necrosis. This can lead to hyperkalemia, as the excess potassium in the bloodstream rises above normal levels. Concurrently, as fluid shifts occur and plasma volume decreases, the overall concentration of sodium in the body diminishes, which can result in dilutional hyponatremia.

Therefore, during this critical period, the combination of hyperkalemia (due to cellular breakdown) and hyponatremia (due to fluid shifts and losses) is a common and expected electrolyte imbalance. This highlights the body's complex response to significant thermal injury, emphasizing the importance of monitoring these electrolytes closely in the early stages of burn management.