What lab finding should be expected in a client experiencing a full-thickness burn?

In a client experiencing a full-thickness burn, hypernatremia is an expected lab finding due to the significant fluid loss that occurs following such an injury. Full-thickness burns can lead to extensive damage, including the loss of skin integrity, which results in increased evaporation and loss of extracellular fluid. This fluid loss can cause the blood to become more concentrated, leading to elevated sodium levels in the blood.

As the body attempts to compensate for this fluid shift, there's often an increase in sodium retention. Additionally, with burns, systemic inflammatory responses can further alter fluid and electrolyte balances, contributing to hypernatremia.

While other electrolyte imbalances and metabolic changes can occur with burns, hypernatremia specifically aligns with the pathophysiology of full-thickness burns and the fluid dynamics that are disrupted. Thus, monitoring sodium levels becomes crucial in the management of patients with extensive burns to prevent complications associated with elevated sodium concentrations.