In severe burn injury, why might hemoglobin and hematocrit readings be elevated in the first 12 hours?
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Correct answer: Because intravascular fluid loss causes hemoconcentration of blood
Massive fluid shift out of the vascular compartment during burn injury causes plasma volume depletion and hemoconcentration, elevating hemoglobin and hematocrit early post-injury.
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More Pathophysiology of Burn Injury questions
- What is the primary reason for decreased urine output in early burn shock?
- Which electrolyte disturbance is most likely immediately after a major burn injury?
- Why is the extracellular sodium concentration often increased in early burn shock?
- What happens to myocardial function in burn shock, even after adequate fluid resuscitation?
- Which statement best describes capillary oncotic pressure in burn injury?
- In the microcirculation after burn injury, which change contributes to fluid extravasation?