What is crucial to avoid in a patient with severe burns?

Fluid overload is crucial to avoid in a patient with severe burns because burn injuries can lead to significant fluid loss through the damaged skin. While it is essential to manage the patient's fluid replacement carefully to prevent shock and maintain organ function, excessive fluid administration can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema, increased intracranial pressure, and heart failure.

Burn patients often require careful calculation of fluid needs based on factors such as the percentage of body surface area affected by burns and changes in their physiological status. Proper management requires continuous monitoring and adjustments to avoid fluid overload while ensuring that the patient remains adequately perfused and hydrated.

In contrast, maintaining body temperature, managing dehydration, and preventing infection are also significant concerns in burn care, but they must be balanced carefully in conjunction with fluid management.